Demola Olarewaju, Senior Political Assistant to Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that Bukola Saraki indirectly endorsed Bola Tinubu for a second term.
The remark followed Saraki’s appearance on Politics Today, where he addressed the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During the interview, Saraki dismissed suggestions that his relationship with Nyesom Wike signalled support for Tinubu’s administration. He insisted their engagement was focused on preserving the PDP as a viable political platform.
“You can’t extrapolate that,” Saraki said, stressing that both he and Wike remain committed to ensuring the PDP survives and continues to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
However, Saraki’s stance on power rotation drew sharper attention. He argued that since Nigerians elected a southern president in 2023, fairness dictates that the region should complete an eight-year tenure.
“I think it is only fair… to allow the South to complete the eight years,” he said.
Reacting on X, Olarewaju interpreted the comment as a tacit endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid. While acknowledging Saraki’s stature, he argued that backing a southern presidency under current circumstances effectively strengthens Tinubu’s chances.
Olarewaju also warned that such a position overlooks Nigeria’s historical power-sharing principles, including the regional balance at independence and the six geopolitical zone arrangement introduced in 1999.
The exchange underscores deepening divisions within the PDP as it grapples with internal tensions and its strategy ahead of future elections.
