- Minister in the Buhari administration expressed dismay over Aisha Alhassan endorsement of Atiku for 2019
- Some said it was typical of the minister
- Other said it will be difficult to trust her again
Aisha Alhassan’s endorsement of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as president for 2019 has sparked disquiet among ministers who fear her comment could hasten cabinet reshuffle.
NAIJ.com had earlier reported that the minister of women affairs was caught on video referring to Atiku as president for 2019.
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The Nation reports that most cabinet members were shocked by their colleagues comment.
While some said it was typical of the minister, others said it showed her disloyalty.
One minister who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “Some of us called her when the video went viral and she confirmed the comments attributed to her.
“To me, I think it is like passing a vote of no confidence on your boss. I think it is untidy to write off your boss as incompetent to continue in office.”
Another cabinet member said: “I am not surprised; it is typical of the Minister of Women Affairs. But the ideal thing is to leave and pursue your career. This development might affect our unity in the cabinet. Some will certainly not trust her again.”
Another colleague said: “She shocked me because I used to think she is closer to the President. What you cannot dispute is that the President has never hidden his respect for her. She was away from the cabinet for months when she was ill and the President tolerated her absence. She should have chosen a different approach to it because one good turn deserves another.”
A government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said “it might not be only her. Maybe she is flying a kite.”
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress said: “I think she is kick-starting 2019 politics. I could see cracks in the coalition which formed the APC.”
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A presidency source in reaction said: “The President has just come back from Daura and he is just settling down. Actually, there is nothing to say.
“The Minister of Women Affairs has confirmed to BBC that she made the comments. What else do you want the presidency to say?”
Meanwhile, the minister of women affairs gave reasons why she declared her support for former Vice President Atiku to run for president in 2019.
According to reports, Alhassan stated that even if President Buhari decides to re-contest in 2019, she would still support Atiku.
Watch a NAIJ.com TV video below of Nigerians speaking about whom they think is the best president ever in the country
