Why Tinubu has been plotting my downfall since 2015 – Saraki

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has revealed that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC has been at loggerheads with him since 2015 after he opposed Muslim-Muslim ticket proposed by the APC.

Saraki disclosed this in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday, stating that Tinubu has since then been plotting his downfall.

He stressed that Tinubu has been plotting against him in and outside of the National Assembly for staying his ground for a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geopolitical zones.

The statement reads in part: “Again, let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when myself and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls.

” It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geo-political zones. Since that time, he has been very active; plotting at every point to undermine me, both within and outside the National Assembly.”

Speaking further, Saraki refuted Tinubu’s statement that he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, because of automatic tickets.

He wondered why Tinubu was still spreading falsehood about his defection.

“It is a surprise to me that Asiwaju Tinubu is still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources.

“Members of the public will recall that when the issue of my decision to quit APC came to the fore and many APC leaders were holding meetings with me, a newspaper owned by the same Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic tickets, oil blocks and other benefits. I immediately rebutted their claims and categorically stated that I never discussed any such personal and pecuniary benefits with anybody. My challenge that anybody who has contrary facts should come forward with them still remains open.

“It should be known that Democracy is a system that allows people to freely make their choices. It is my choice that I have decided to join others to present a viable alternative platform for Nigerians in the coming elections.

“Tinubu and leaders of the APC had better respect this decision or lawfully deal with it. As for me, Allah gives power to whom He wishes. Human beings can only aspire and strive to fulfil their aspirations,” Saraki added.