By Nabilu Balarabe
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has rubbished claims linking him to a defection plot led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, declaring he has no intention of abandoning the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buni’s fiery denial was contained in a statement issued by his Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, on Saturday in Damaturu.
This comes after a viral text message alleged that Buni and four other APC governors had sealed a secret deal to dump the ruling party and align with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed slammed the claims as “baseless fabrications, pure imagination and laughable assumptions” that had no link to reality.
“The governor has never, at any point, associated with the author of the fake message, let alone confide in him about any political plans,” Mohammed said.
He reaffirmed Buni’s loyalty to the APC, stressing: “Governor Buni is not just an APC governor — he embodies the APC spirit. From serving two terms as National Secretary to leading the party as National Chairman and overseeing a crucial national convention, Buni’s blood runs APC.”
Mohammed accused the rumour mongers of envy, saying: “Clearly, they are fascinated by Governor Buni’s political prowess and can only dream of having someone of his calibre in their fold. It’s nothing but wishful thinking.”
