Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, a former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), has refuted claims that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC's presidential nominee, is unqualified to rule Nigeria.
He claimed he was misquoted and never indicated Tinubu lacked the skills necessary to lead Nigeria to its promised land.
On Wednesday, Tee Mac was cited as saying that Tinubu is 86 years old and ineligible to be president.
But the famed flautist claimed in a statement on Saturday that there is never any question about Tinubu's ability to govern Nigeria.
The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to a post that has gone viral on Social Media regarding a private banter with a Facebook acquaintance on the eligibility of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Whilst it is regrettable that such a private conversation went viral vide from a Facebook Account, let me state that the conversation was taken out of context.
“In the first instance, I have high regards for the person of the APC Presidential candidate; a two (2)-Term Governor of Lagos State, and a revered leader of the APC. I have lived in Lagos since I relocated from Switzerland, and I can attest to his transformational impact in the State.
“More significantly is his ability to identify and engage exceptional and committed technocrats in governance with tangible results over time, and maintaining relationships with them, and others across board. This, I believe will be replicated if he is given the opportunity at the Federal level.
“His all-inclusive style of governance has seen people from other states, ethnicities and faith take up appointments in Lagos, serving meritoriously too!
“Consequently, his competence is not in doubt.
“I only expressed my fear for the rigours of the office.
“My personal view is that anyone can choose any candidate, but must ask themselves if they have chosen rightly. This is a pertinent question for everyone. I simply admonished a friend to vote by his convictions.
“My only grouse, which I still stand by is that it was Tinubu who sold Buhari to the nation in 2015, which candidate, contrary to all expectations, underperformed.
“The above notwithstanding, I neither have a personal grudge with Asiwaju, nor would pursue a path of acrimony with my cousin, Remi Tinubu, whom everyone adjudged pleasant and supportive.
“Tinubu remains a man I admire regardless of what sycophants have tried to make of my comment.”