It’s Unfair To Say President Tinubu Betrayed Me — Saraki

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said it would be unfair to accuse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of betraying him, insisting that his past challenges with the government were driven by actions of the executive arm, not the president.

Saraki made the clarification while speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Thursday night, where he addressed issues surrounding the crisis and reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“That’s not also fair on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Because those of you, you know how he is. In those days of the former president’s administration, (President Muhammadu Buhari) he didn’t have that say that they claim he had,” he said.

He explained that his disagreements while serving as Senate President were rooted in his commitment to act in national interest, which he said led to his persecution by the executive.

“Where was my own concern? As far as my issue with the administration was that I was doing what I felt was in the interest of the country as the president of the Senate.

“And for doing those things, I was now persecuted. Bola Tinubu was not part of those decisions that took the Senate and implemented going to Code of Conduct or for robbery or forgery of the National Assembly. That was the executive part of the government,” he added.

On the performance of the Tinubu administration, Saraki declined to give a definitive rating, noting that outcomes have been mixed across different sectors.

“That’s a difficult question because there are many factors and there are many issues. There are things that I would say they’re not doing badly on. There are things that they’re not doing well at all on,” he stated.

The former senate president, however, warned against what he described as a growing tendency toward a one-party state, stressing that such a development could weaken Nigeria’s democracy.

“For example, even if you stay from even just a basic idea of this concept of a one-party state, that is not good for our democracy. I’ve spoken about that. I’ve been very strong about that. We must have a multi-party state,” he said.

He also dismissed arguments that defections to the ruling party are purely voluntary.

“And it’s easy for the APC to say, ‘Oh, you know, what do you want us to do? People want to come and join our party.’ No, I don’t think,” he added.

Speaking of the 2027 presidential election, Saraki said he has not taken a position on whether he would support President Tinubu, even if the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, endorses him.

“Minister Wike and Bukola Saraki, we have things that we have commonly agreed on. How do we save this party? I, as I said, have not taken a position. As I said on the issue of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I have not taken a position on that.

“I’m waiting on the primaries that are coming. I want to see the pundits that will come out of our party. I see who is running for president. And at that time, decide what I’m going to do,” he said.

Saraki’s comments come amid ongoing internal wrangling within the PDP, as stakeholders intensify efforts at reconciliation and repositioning of the party ahead of the next general elections.