Hajiya Aisha Alhassan, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development says she has not resigned her position as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Alhassan disclosed this while speaking in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
“Contrary to insinuations especially in the social media, I only sought for permission from President Muhammdu Buhari to begin consultations.
“This is preparatory to my seeking nomination from our great party the All Progressive Congress (APC) to contest for the office of the governor of Taraba state in 2019, which he has graciously accepted,” she said.
Alhassan added: “The letter in circulation in the social media does not in any way mean or suggest resignation.
“The letter is straight forward and unambiguous.
“Our esteemed supporters and loyal party men and women in Taraba should please disregard any rumour of my resignation.
“When the time comes for me to resign, I will do so in accordance with the laid down procedure and regulations.’’
Alhassan said she is presently preoccupied with the task given to her by President Buhari as Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“I am also helping in mobilising support for him and the APC for the 2019 election,’’ she said.
Recall that the media on Thursday has been awash with stories of Alhassan’s alleged resignation, but the reply by the President did not indicate resignation, though he wished her well in her desire to pursue her ambition to be Taraba Governor in 2019.
A known loyalist of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Alhassan says she is going to pursue her ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where Atiku was before he jumped ship.
President Buhari words in a letter to the Women Affairs Minister: “I have today received your letter notifying me of your intention to contest for the governorship of Taraba State in the 2019 election. Let me thank you on behalf of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians for your services as minister under this administration. I note with passion your past contribution to our great party APC during and after the 2015 elections.
“As you are aware I am totally committed to free and fair elections. Our policy is to support all APC candidates. I wish you well in your ambition to be governor of your state. Rest assured that all security agencies as well as INEC will have my full support to conduct free, fair and transparent elections in 2019.”