Saraki clears Tinubu of role in prosecution, backs southern presidency in 2027

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played any role in his past legal challenges, while affirming that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the South in the 2027 general election.

Saraki made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today, where he addressed lingering allegations that Tinubu influenced his prosecution under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Responding to suggestions that Tinubu may have had a hand in the legal battles he faced — including his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal and his questioning in connection with the Offa robbery investigation — Saraki said such claims were unfounded.

“That’s not fair on President Tinubu,” Saraki stated, adding that Tinubu did not wield the level of authority many assumed he had during Buhari’s presidency.

According to him, decisions surrounding his prosecution were taken by individuals within the government at the time, and Tinubu was not among those involved in shaping or directing those actions.

“He 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 maintained.

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Turning to the 2027 elections, Saraki categorically ruled out contesting for the presidency, despite acknowledging that he harbours presidential ambition.

“No, I’m not running for president in 2027,” he declared.

The former Kwara State governor explained that while he remains interested in leading the country in the future, the principle of fairness and political balance should guide decisions about zoning.

“I would not lie if I say I don’t have the ambition. 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,” he said.

Saraki emphasised that he supported his party’s internal zoning discussions, which favoured retaining the presidency in the South in 2027 to maintain regional equity and stability.

“Presidency should remain in the South in 2027,” he reiterated.

Saraki also addressed criticism over his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He explained that the PDP adopted an open contest approach ahead of the election, allowing aspirants from all regions to compete.

“In 2023, the final recommendation of the party allowed it to be open for all,” he noted, arguing that his decision aligned with the party’s guidelines at the time.

The former Senate President further observed that historically, the South has occupied the presidency for more years than the North in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, stressing that the PDP’s current stance reflects the political realities that emerged after the 2023 polls.

Saraki’s comments come amid early political alignments and debates over zoning ahead of the 2027 general election, as parties weigh regional considerations and power rotation in shaping their strategies.