Saraki's Media Office Firmly Rejects Allegations of Indirect Tinubu Endorsement
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office has issued a strong rebuttal against claims suggesting that former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki indirectly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office. In a statement released on Thursday, the office described the allegations as mischievous, incorrect, and a misinterpretation of Saraki's clear remarks during a recent television interview.
Background of the Controversial Claim
The controversy erupted after Demola Olarewaju, a Senior Political Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, posted on social media platform X that Saraki's comments during an interview with Channels Television's Politics Today program amounted to an indirect endorsement of Tinubu. Olarewaju argued that Saraki's advocacy for the presidency to remain in the South, which would favor Tinubu's re-election, ignored Nigeria's historical tripartite balance and the six-zone arrangement established since 1999.
Saraki's Clarification on His Statements
In the interview, Saraki was questioned about whether his friendship with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike indicated support for President Tinubu. He firmly responded, "You can't extrapolate that. My friendship is based on what we are going to do about this party." He emphasized his commitment to ensuring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a viable platform for elections, stating that both he and Wike share this goal despite differing styles and views.
Regarding the zoning of the presidency, Saraki noted that Nigerians elected Tinubu from the South in 2023 and expressed his personal view that it is fair to allow the South to complete an eight-year term. However, he clarified that this does not equate to an endorsement of any specific candidate, including Tinubu.
Media Office's Detailed Rebuttal
Yusuph Olaniyonu, signing on behalf of the Saraki Media Office, elaborated that Saraki is known for his directness and consistency. "Dr Saraki made it clear that, by his antecedents, he was not a person who would say or do A in the afternoon and then go back to do B in the night," the statement read. It emphasized that when the time comes for endorsements in the 2027 elections, Saraki will make his position publicly known without ambiguity.
The office highlighted that Saraki was part of the PDP's National Executive Committee that zoned the presidential ticket to the South last year, but pointed out that Tinubu is not the only southerner interested in contesting. Saraki also stated he would wait to see who emerges as the PDP candidate before making any endorsement, and he believes that by 2031, the presidency should unequivocally shift to the North.
Accusations of Political Misinterpretation
The Saraki Media Office accused Olarewaju and others of putting a spin on Saraki's words out of desperation and dirty political calculations. "That only shows the desperation and dirty calculation of some politicians to misinterpret other people's words to achieve their own unpatriotic and unpopular ambition," the statement asserted. It reiterated that Saraki stands firmly for his beliefs, even at personal cost, and will not mince words about his plans.
This incident underscores the heightened political tensions as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, with key figures like Saraki navigating complex alliances and public perceptions within the PDP and broader political landscape.
