Why Tinubu’s speech to protesters leaked before Sunday – Presidency

The presidency has refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast speech leaked before its official release on Sunday morning.

The premature appearance of Tinubu’s speech online had stirred up controversy among Nigerians, leading many to believe it had been leaked.

Daniel Bwala, a former chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) wrote on Twitter:

“The speech by the President @officialABAT was leaked last night and was published on social media before the morning. That is sabotage. 

Unless it was authorized by Mr President, there should be consequences for the leak”.

However, Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, clarified on X that it is incorrect to assert that the speech leaked.

Ajayi explained that advanced or embargoed copies of the President’s speech are typically provided in advance for preview and editorial production.

Also Read: El-Rufai Reacts To Ongoing Hunger Protests 

He noted that the President’s speech on the nationwide protest was shared with editors on Saturday night, which aligns with global practices and standards.

Ajayi also urged Nigerians to avoid overcomplicating straightforward matters.

He wrote, “This is not correct. Advanced/embargoed copies of speeches are given ahead of time for previews and editorial production depending on the time the address will be made public.

“In this case of yesterday in Nigeria, the embargoed copy was released to editors yesterday night. That is the global practice and standard. We should not complicate and overflog simple issues.”