By Jimoh Babatunde & Daniel Eteghe
Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, chieftain, Asiwaju Ahmed  Tinubu,  has attributed the purported clash between the party’s presidential candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and himself to the handiwork of fifth columnists.

He said the reports in the media were sponsored by those who want to create conflict or crisis where none exist.

Speaking with journalists at the Presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, Tinubu said, “have you seen a party where there is no discussion, no debate, no rational thinking? They want a conflict but they cannot create a conflict or crisis where none exists.”

While commenting on the possibility of ACN’s merger with other parties, he said, “who says that ACN cannot do the magic? But we believe that if we pull together, it will be better and easier. No one disputes that.

“But I will never write off my party and I believe Nigerians are tired of the Peples Democratic Party, PDP and they will speak through their votes.”

Asked if he was truely in support of Ngozi  Okonjo-Iweala as Ribadu’s running mate, Tinubu said  though she is a very qualified individual, she might not be free.

He said: “She is an asset to the nation, Africa and the international community, no doubt about that. But you don’t know whether she is even free now.

“We have so much to gain from her intellectually, characterwise and professionally and for our reputation all over the world. But it doesn’t mean that she will serve the country better as a running mate to anybody,” he added.