Saraki said just like everybody present at the PDP 2022 presidential convention, he was shocked when Tambuwal endorsed Atiku
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has refuted a claim by former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.
According to the ex-Kwara State governor, the senator representing Sokoto South senatorial district in the red chamber did not tell him that he was withdrawing for former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar during the 2022 presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tambuwal had during a recent interview aired on Arise TV, said he made his intention to step down for Atiku known to his former colleague, Saraki.
However, while responding to the claim via a statement issued by his Media Office, the former Senate President debunked the assertion.
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He went on to argue that contrary to Tambuwal’s claim, he was surprised when the former governor returned to the podium to announce his withdrawal after he had addressed the delegates seeking their votes to fly the PDP presidential flag in the 2023 general elections.
Saraki said, “I need to set the record straight. When I saw Tambuwal returning to the podium after he had earlier addressed the delegates to canvas for their votes, I wondered what was happening. His announcement that he had withdrawn from the race and that the delegates who were supporting him should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar took me by surprise.
“Tambuwal is my friend but he should take responsibility for his decisions and actions. He never discussed withdrawal from the race with me.
“I never contemplated withdrawing my candidature from the race and had nothing to do with the decision process that led to his withdrawal in favor of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”