Defend this viral SMS message issued to deligates right now.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a presidential contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has distanced himself from a viral text message stating that if he wins the APC’s presidential nomination in2023, he wants to appoint a fellow Muslim as his running mate NewsReport gathered.

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The text message was a hoax, according to Tinubu, who said it was created by “undemocratic elements” who are already terrified by his “imminent win” in the election.

A statement issued by his media office on Tuesday midnight and published on his official Instagram handle, @officialasiwajubat reads: “We have been informed of a text message going round APC delegates at Eagle Square, Abuja purportedly from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that with his imminent victory at the APC Presidential Primary and emergence as the party’s presidential candidate, the APC leader has now decided on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“This is nothing but a lie. It has no basis whatsoever. We enjoin the distinguished delegates to ignore this completely.

“The fake text message is a ploy by some undemocratic elements to confuse and hoodwink delegates sensing that Asíwájú Tinubu is comfortably coasting home to victory.

“Truth is Asíwájú is destined for victory and no one can scuttle this through their shameful tactics.

“Asíwájú is not known to jumping guns. He will deal with all important matters pertaining to his presidential pair at the appropriate time, after his victory has been fully established by the distinguished delegates.”

At least seven aspirants have so far stepped down and backed Tinubu to pick the APC ticket at the ongoing party’s presidential primary.