Bukola Saraki defends President Tinubu over past trials and calls for Nigeria’s presidency to remain in the South in 2027
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting he never betrayed him during past legal battles.
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Speaking on Politics Today, Saraki addressed claims linking Tinubu to his prosecution, including the Offa robbery case.
“That’s not fair on President Tinubu,” Saraki said, adding that Tinubu lacked the influence attributed to him under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“Tinubu didn’t have the say that they claimed he had. He was not part of the people who took the decisions regarding my persecution,” Saraki stated, referencing both his Code of Conduct Bureau trial and the Offa robbery investigation.
On the 2027 presidential election, Saraki ruled out a personal bid, stressing that the presidency should remain in the South.
“No, I’m not running for president in 2027,” he said, noting that while he still harbours presidential ambitions, political fairness and balance must take precedence.
“I do… I would not lie if I say I don’t. But after the 2023 election… having Nigeria choose to elect President Bola Tinubu from the South, it is only fair to allow the South to complete eight years.”
Saraki said he supported his party’s zoning position, which favours retaining the presidency in the South, and defended his backing of Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections.
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“Because in 2023… the final recommendation of the party allowed it to be open for all,” he explained, adding that historical power rotation demonstrates that the South has spent more years in power than the North.
