You're Lying: I Didn't know you Wanted to Step Down for Atiku - Saraki Replies Tambuwal

Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has firmly denied the assertion made by Senator Aminu Tambuwal, the former governor of Sokoto State, regarding his withdrawal from the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries in favor of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Saraki, in a statement released by his media office and signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, expressed his surprise at Tambuwal’s sudden decision during the PDP convention held inside the velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja. "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 His announcement that he had withdrawn from the race and that the delegates who were supporting him should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar took me by surprise," Saraki stated.

He further emphasized that Tambuwal did not discuss his withdrawal plans with him beforehand.

"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 added.

Tambuwal, in an interview aired on Arise TV Programme titled ‘Untold Stories With Adesuwa’, claimed that he had informed Saraki before stepping down for Atiku.

However, Saraki refuted this claim, maintaining that he, like other delegates, was caught off guard by Tambuwal’s unexpected announcement.

The decision by Tambuwal to step down for Atiku was seen as a pivotal moment in the race for the 2023 presidential election.

Analysts noted that Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike was on course to clinch the ticket until Tambuwal’s endorsement of Atiku shifted the dynamics.

Atiku eventually secured 371 votes, defeating Wike who garnered 237 votes, while Saraki came in third with 70 votes.