Governor Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State

Gov. Muhammadu Bindow of Adamawa, and his deputy Martins Babale have denied media speculation that that there was any rift between them.

Bindow denied the rumour in a statement on Monday signed by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh.

Sajoh described the rumour being peddled by some sections of the media as “fake news”.

According to the commissioner, the governor says the alleged plan by Babale to defect to the PDP is a “false and malicious attempt to derail him from his focused and successful re-election campaign.

Bindow explained in the statement that his campaign tour, which excluded the deputy governor and prompted the report, was a strategy adopted by him.

He said he had set up two campaign teams which he and Babale were separately heading.

“We wish to reiterate that the position of Adamawa State Government on the matter is already made very clear by none other than Gov. Bindow.

“The governor is recorded to have announced publicly that he has no rift whatsoever with his deputy and had never had such at anytime during their relationship.

“The governor equally expressed confidence in the person of Hon. Martins Nasir Babale as his deputy, as well as acknowledged his loyalty as an able and capable lieutenant.

“Our understanding of the issues surrounding the fake news is that people are having difficulties with our change in style.

“The governor had decided that his campaign proceed with team “A’’ headed by him, while team “B’’ is headed by the deputy governor,’’ he said.

The commissioner explained that the strategy was to ensure that while the governor was out on campaigns, the deputy would be on ground to ensure there was no lacunae in governance and vice versa.

The commissioner urged the media to always cross check their information with relevant authorities before publishing to guard against circulating fake news.

Also denying the rumour, the deputy governor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he was shocked about the media report.

“I was shocked about it, particularly the funny allegation that I was planning to leave APC for PDP,’’ Babale said.