The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described as a pure fabrication the reports by a section of the media that there is a rift between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party's presidential candidate, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, over the choice of the party's presidential running mate.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also dismissed as tales by the moonlight the alleged walkout of its party chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, from a purported meeting of the party in Abuja on Thursday.

The party wondered how the Asiwaju and Chief Akande, who are both out of the country, could be attending a meeting in Abuja or walking outing of the purported meeting.

''The so-called deepening face-off between Asiwaju and Ribadu is a mere cliche, a figment of the imagination of the writers of such fiction, because there is no face-off, not to talk of a deepening one.

''Also, it is totally untrue that Chief Akande walked out of any meeting. Having served in many capacities, including as Secretary to the Government, Deputy Governor and Governor, our chairman will be the last to walk out of any meeting, when he has acquired the experience and wisdom to resolve even knottier issues without resorting to such actions that are being attributed to him,'' ACN said.

The party wondered why certain elements have decided to peddle falsehood about the ACN and its leaders, using certain media organisations that have now become notorious for being the purveyor of such lies.

''These publications are being sponsored by those who have become jittery at the rising profile of our party, and they are aimed at damaging the party and bringing its leaders into disrepute.

''But we are undaunted because Nigerians are very discerning. In the fullness of time, the lies and those behind them will be exposed,'' ACN said.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
Action Congress of Nigeria
Abuja, Feb. 14th 2011