PDP 2023 Presidential Primary: Saraki Tackles Tambuwal Over Withdrawal For Atiku
From Abdul SULE (Abuja)
A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has denied being aware that former Sokoto State Governor and member of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, was going to step down for Atiku Abubakar during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential convention in 2022.
The former Sokoto Governor had mounted the podium for the second time to address the delegates where he announced his withdrawal and endorsed Atiku to the surprise of many observers.The withdrawal tilted the scale in favour of Atiku, the former Vice President.
Following the withdrawal, the former PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, had described Tambuwal as the “hero of the convention.
Speaking on a private TV Programme titled ‘Untold Stories With Adesuwa’, Tambuwal claimed that he had informed Saraki ahead of the public withdrawal.
However, Saraki has refuted such allegations, saying he was not privy to Tambuwal's moves.
In a statement by his media office signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, 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 canvass 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"His announcement that he had withdrawn from the race and that the delegates who were supporting him should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar took me by surprise.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 favour of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,” Saraki stated.
