The Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress has sounded a stern warning to all agents of disinformation and defamation against its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The council noted the campaign of calumny, disinformation and misinformation the oppositions have taken, stating that such is an evidence of their bankruptcy of ideas to victory at the polls.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the council, Bayo Onanuga on Sunday in Abuja.
The statement comes on the heels of the fake news spread by Arise TV against Tinubu where the said media organization gave broadcast to a forged press release that never emanated from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as the body had claimed in the broadcast.
Condemning the action in a statement, the council said, “The forged statement purportedly issued by INEC was disseminated to deceive the gullible public that INEC was investigating allegations against Asiwaju Tinubu that, they desperately hoped, will ultimately lead to the disqualification of the frontline APC Presidential candidate.
We are not in any way surprised by the antics of the sinking opposition parties. What we found shocking was how quickly some compromised media organisations gulped the falsehood, hook, line and sinker, without attempting to verify.
“We understand why they did so: the forgery and its narrative fit their mindset of throwing overboard every known virtue of ethical journalism and professionalism, as they work in cahoot with the opposition to defame Asiwaju Tinubu.
“This inglorious path has been taken before since 2003 and in the run-up to the primaries of the ruling APC that produced Asiwaju Tinubu as the presidential torch bearer. Those who took this damned path of infamy lost their bet because Asiwaju Tinubu stands rock solid and indestructible.”
The council restated Tinubu’s resolve to predicate his campaign on issues that affect the lives of Nigerians, proffering sustainable and feasible solutions that ensures a quality life for the people.
“We had hoped anyone aspiring to lead our country at this time will be a natural subscriber to this noble and higher goal.
“It is clear the opposition parties and purveyors of fake news have other negative ideas: they want to make this election cycle more about muckraking and mudslinging.
“While we want to stay above the fray and stand by our commitment to inspire our people and restore their faith and confidence in the immense goodness and greatness of our country, we want to serve notice to all the agents of disinformation and their collaborating media platforms, that our campaign organisation stands ready to confront and fight all libellous and defamatory publications against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We shall no longer allow the prevailing recklessness and utter disregard for professional judgment to continue unchallenged.
“We also call on the police to investigate the circulation of the forged INEC statement and serve justice to those responsible,” the council demanded.