Babangida didn’t endorse Jonathan, says associate

ALHAJI Hassan Jallo, a close associate of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has denied the claim that the former military president endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for next month’s presidential election.

According to him, what Babangida and Jonathan discussed were “security issues and the unity of Nigeria”.

Jallo added that the former military president promised to support Jonathan in that direction, insisting that it did not mean that Babangida endorsed Jonathan for re-election.

Jallo, who addressed reporters in Kaduna on the issue yesterday, said: “I am saying this on behalf of IBB… So, don’t expect him to descend very low to come out himself and debunk this so-called endorsement of President Jonathan. I am saying this for him, and I believe the endorsement is the creation of the media.”

Confirming that he was not at the meeting, he explained that available information showed that Jonathan was only there to consult with Babangida on the challenges facing the nation and the way forward.

Jallo said issues relating to endorsement or 2015 elections were not part of discussions, stressing that Babangida has not endorsed any of the presidential candidates.

He maintained that the former military president “is a strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.

According to him, the former head of state’s statement was misinterpreted for Jonathan’s endorsement in the general elections.

His words: “President Jonathan is not the first to visit the former head of state. Other presidential aspirants and leaders have paid him visit, regardless of their political parties for one consultation or the other.

“I want you to quote me very well that IBB has not endorsed Jonathan or any other presidential candidate for the 2015 presidential race.

“Jonathan requested to visit him. And he couldn’t have turned down a president’s request as an elder statesman. There is no man like IBB in Nigeria of today. I therefore urge media men to express professionalism in their reportage to avoid misleading the public.”