Saraki: It’s Unfair to Link Tinubu to My Prosecution Under Buhari

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played any role in his prosecution during the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari, describing such assertions as unfair and inaccurate.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Saraki said it would be wrong to attribute his legal challenges at the time to Tinubu, insisting that the current president did not wield the level of influence many have suggested.

Saraki’s comments relate to events that began in September 2015, when the Code of Conduct Bureau filed charges of false asset declaration against him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The case marked one of the most high-profile legal battles involving a sitting Senate president at the time, drawing national attention and political controversy.

Reflecting on that period, Saraki maintained that his actions as Senate president were guided by what he believed to be in the country’s best interest. However, those actions, he said, led to a series of legal and political confrontations that culminated in his prosecution.

‘Tinubu Had No Role’

Addressing the narrative that Tinubu may have influenced decisions behind the scenes, Saraki was clear in rejecting the claim. He argued that during Buhari’s presidency, Tinubu did not have the level of control or authority that critics often attribute to him.

According to Saraki, the decisions that led to his prosecution were made within the executive arm of government at the time, not by external political actors. He referenced several issues tied to his ordeal, including the asset declaration charges, the Offa robbery controversy, and allegations surrounding the National Assembly, stressing that government institutions handled these.

Saraki emphasised that holding Tinubu responsible for those developments would be misleading, noting that the circumstances of his prosecution were more complex and rooted in the dynamics between the legislature and the executive during that administration.

Politics, Power, and Perception

The former Senate president’s remarks come amid ongoing political debates and realignments ahead of future elections, where past events are increasingly being revisited and reinterpreted. His clarification appears aimed at setting the record straight, particularly as narratives around political influence and accountability continue to shape public discourse.

Saraki’s position also highlights the broader tension that characterised his tenure as Senate president, especially his often-strained relationship with the executive branch under Buhari. Frequent clashes over legislative independence, appointments, and governance priorities marked that period.

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By distancing Tinubu from his prosecution, Saraki not only challenges a popular political narrative but also underscores the importance of accurately assigning responsibility within Nigeria’s complex political system.

As discussions around past administrations continue to influence present-day politics, Saraki’s comments add another layer to the evolving conversation about power, influence, and accountability in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.