Tinubu never betrayed me, presidency must stay in South – Saraki

March 27, 2026

Tinubu never betrayed me, presidency must stay in South - Saraki

Bukola Saraki, former senate president has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not betray him during his past legal battles.

He insisted that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the South in the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Politics Today, Saraki dismissed claims that Tinubu influenced his prosecution, including the Offa robbery case.

“That’s not fair on President Tinubu,” he said, explaining that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, 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,” referring to both his Code of Conduct Bureau trial and the Offa robbery investigation.

On the 2027 elections, Saraki ruled out any ambition to contest for president, throwing his weight behind the continuation of power in the South.

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

The former Kwara governor admitted he still has presidential ambition but stressed that fairness and political balance must take priority.

“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.”

He added that he supported his party’s zoning position during internal discussions, which favoured retaining the presidency in the South.

“Presidency should remain in the South in 2027,” Saraki maintained.

Saraki also defended his decision to support Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, noting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adopted an open contest at the time.

“Because in 2023… the final recommendation of the party allowed it to be open for all,” he explained.

He further argued that historical power rotation shows the South has spent more years in power than the North, adding that the party’s current stance reflects post-election realities.