Saraki clarifies source of Tinubu conflict

Senate President Bukola Saraki posits that the antipathy towards him from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Bola Tinubu stems from his opposition to the party’s initial plan to run a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2015 presidential election.

Saraki revealed this in a statement issued on Monday, August 20, 2018, in response to Tinubu’s allegations against him.

He alleged that the APC’s leader grievance against him stemmed from his decision not to back his bid to run with President Buhari in 2015.

“let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when myself and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls.

“It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geo-political zones. Since that time he has been very active; plotting at every point to undermine me, both within and outside the national assembly.”

Tinubu had earlier issued a press release saying that the Senate President defected from the ruling party because he wanted an automatic ticket.

The Senate President however described Tinubu’s statement as false.

He said “It is a surprise to me that Asiwaju Tinubu is still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources.

“Members of the public will recall that when the issue of my decision to quit APC came to the fore and many APC leaders were holding meetings with me, a newspaper owned by the same Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic tickets, oil blocks and other benefits.

“I immediately rebutted their claims and categorically stated that I never discussed any such personal and pecuniary benefits with anybody. My challenge that anybody who has contrary facts should come forward with them still remains open.

“Tinubu and leaders of the APC had better respect this decision or lawfully deal with it. As for me, Allah gives power to whom He wishes. Human beings can only aspire and strive to fulfil their aspirations.”