The Federal Government has said the release of an audio in which the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, allegedly criticised President Muhammadu Buhari will not break the All Progressives Congress.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
Amaechi is the director-general of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Mohammed said, “The opposition is determined to ensure the ongoing campaign for the 2019 elections is not based on issues but on mudslinging.
“What is the point in shopping around for audio clips or publications that are then maliciously edited out of context? Why do they think this will break our ranks in the ruling party?
“What advantage do they think they can get from this infantile act? Whoever wants to circulate any audio or video clip should do so in its entirety so the people can understand the context. Otherwise, let them continue wasting their time circulating an audio that is clearly designed to blackmail.”
Speaking on controversy around the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, whose tenure will expire on January 15, Mohammed said the President “is at liberty to extend his tenure.”
He also said the planned protest by the opposition would not be enough to stop the President from excising his power.
The minister claimed that former Presidents extended the tenures of former IGs.