Senate President, Bukola Saraki has reacted to a statement by the
‘Not Too Young To Run’ group condemning his declaration for presidency
at its programme on Thursday.
Saraki had declared his intention at the programme organised for youth aspirants in 2019.
However, the group dissociated itself from Saraki’s decision to declare his intention at the programme which was meant to address political issues affecting youths from participating in the forthcoming elections.
But, Saraki in a statement by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser
on Media and Publicity, asserted that the group had no knowledge of his
intention to declare for presidency at the programme.
He said his intention to declare at the Youth Programme was in good faith and sign of encouragement to young PDP aspirants.
The statement read: “It has been brought to our attention that the
Not Too Young to Run group have issued a Statement
in relation to the announcement made by the President of the Senate, Dr
Abubakar Bukola Saraki, whilst addressing the PDP members and aspirants
of the group.
“The occasion was first in a series of Dialogues organised by the Not
Too Young To Run along Party lines. The first one is for young PDP
aspirants. The subsequent ones are designed for the APC and other
parties.
“It is true that the Not Too Young To Run leadership had no prior
knowledge of the content of the Senate President’s remarks. However, the
announcement by the Senate President that he intends to throw his hat
into the ring to contest for the Presidency was made in good faith to
young PDP aspirants, partly as a symbolic act of encouragement.
“It was not the intent of the Senate President to put the group or
its leadership in an invidious position. The Senate President
appreciates the contribution of the group to the development of our
democracy and will continue to work closely with young people across the
country in order to make Nigeria a better place for all.”