How I shelve my presidential ambition to support Buhari in 2015-Saraki

Senate president, Bukola Saraki has refuted a story that appeared in top magazine, African Confidential.

The article titled ‘Ambitious Men’ suggested that Saraki, was one of those who stood against President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential nomination in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014.

The article also mentioned that Saraki has retained London Communications consultants Aequitas, to help launder his image.

Responding on behalf of Saraki, spokesman, Yusuph Olaniyonu said the claims in the article are incorrect.

“Dr Saraki did not contest the last presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress.

“Dr. Saraki publicly announced in a statement in Ilorin on October 12, 2014 that he would not contest against Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) who was then an aspirant because some of us need to make sacrifice and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem of the party.

“He then declared that he would support the candidacy of the retired General. Dr. Saraki was one of the people who worked tirelessly to ensure General Buhari won the APC ticket, and the general election,” Olaniyonu wrote.

He also said Saraki does not retain the services of Aequitas as contained in the article. “He formerly engaged Aequitas for strategic policy services while he was governor of Kwara state, and chair of the Nigeria Governors Forum, and at the initial stage of his period as Senate President.

He no longer retains the services of Aequitas effective from January 1, 2017,” he added.

Olaniyonu said Saraki’s interest now is to reform the Senate and make it an institution whose impact and relevance is felt and appreciated by the generality of the people.

He said his boss has pledged his full support for and commitment to the success of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.