2023 PDP Ticket: Saraki, Tambuwal, Mohammed clear air on ‘endorsing’ Ariku
Ex-Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, have refuted claims that they have withdrawn from the 2023 presidential race under the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).
A report has been rife in the country, saying that the trio had stepped down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, after meeting with him on Monday in Abuja.
But a statement on Wednesday, by Director-General, Saraki Campaign Council, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, dismissed the report as “sheer mischief”.
Onaiwu noted that it was planted by “those who want to gain the PDP presidential ticket by deceit.”
He said Saraki and the governors only met Atiku with the sole objective to inform him of their push towards a consensus candidate.
The DG insists there was no talk of anyone stepping down “as it is yet premature”.
“Our candidate is eminently qualified for the PDP presidential as a former two-term governor, Chairman of the Governors Forum, Senate President and a former presidential aspirant.
“Governor Aminu Tambuwal as former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a serving two-term governor is also qualified to be considered for the ticket.
“Governor Bala Mohammed, a former senator, ex-minister and a serving governor is qualified for the ticket.”
Onaiwu said, ” no other aspirant should hide under the “nebulous assumption” that he is overly qualified than others to be stepped down for.
The statement added that if there is a concrete agreement on a winning consensus and others step down for whoever, “it will be done openly”.
“Until then, Senator Bukola Saraki, Tambuwal and Mohammed are still in the race”, Onaiwu added.
