Buhari forced him out of APC – Saraki

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has listed the many sins of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) which he said culminated in his defection.

Mr Saraki, who dumped the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last month, was reacting to a statement by the APC leader Bola Tinubu.

Mr Tinubu had in a statement on Sunday said the Senate President left because of his presidential ambition.

Mr Saraki in a statement said the reasons advanced by Mr Tinubu were false and mischievous.

He listed as reasons for his exit ‘contempt’ for the National Assembly by the Buhari administration.

“I have always restrained from joining issues in the media with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this is based on my respect for him. However, I will not allow him to create a wrong, false and mischievous impression about the reasons for my decision to exit the All Progressives Congress (APC) and present his prejudice as facts for public consumption.

“I have been consistent in my complaints to all leaders of the APC, including Tinubu, that a situation where the National Assembly is not constructively engaged or carried along in key policy decisions, particularly those that will eventually require legislative approval, is not in the best interest of the nation.

He added that the ‘elements’ had made sure that party principles required for a healthy functioning were deliberately violated.

The Senate President accused Mr Tinubu of siding with President Buhari in his reconciliatory move rather than addressing his grievances.

Since his defection to the PDP last month, Mr Saraki has been under intense pressure from APC leaders and lawmakers insisting he vacate the seat since his party is now a minority in the senate.

Mr Saraki has vowed to keep his position.