Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has dismissed claims linking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to his past legal challenges, while throwing his weight behind the continuation of presidential power in Southern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, Saraki described allegations that Tinubu influenced his prosecution—particularly in relation to the Offa robbery case—as unfair and unfounded.
“That’s not fair on President Tinubu,” Saraki stated, clarifying that during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu did not exercise the level of political control often attributed to him.
He stressed that Tinubu was not part of the decision-making process surrounding his legal battles, including proceedings involving the Code of Conduct Bureau and investigations tied to the Offa incident.
Advocates Zoning Balance
On the 2027 presidential race, Saraki ruled out any immediate ambition to contest, despite acknowledging his long-term political aspirations. Instead, he emphasized the importance of equity and national balance, arguing that the presidency should remain in the South to complete an eight-year cycle.
“After the 2023 election, it is only fair to allow the South to complete eight years,” he said.
Saraki noted that his position aligns with zoning considerations within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly following the political dynamics that shaped the 2023 elections.
He also defended his support for Atiku Abubakar in the last election, explaining that the PDP adopted an open contest rather than enforcing a strict zoning formula at the time.
Zoning Debate Intensifies
Saraki’s remarks come amid growing national conversations around power rotation and succession planning ahead of 2027. He maintained that Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement remains a critical stabilising factor for national cohesion, even as political alignments continue to evolve.
His intervention adds a significant voice to the ongoing debate, reinforcing calls for political actors to prioritise fairness, inclusivity, and long-term stability in shaping the country’s leadership trajectory.