Ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, and governors of Sokoto and Bauchi states, Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed have dismissed reports suggesting they have withdrawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential race.
There were rumours that the trio had stepped down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The speculations heightened after they met with the Wazirin Adamawa on Monday in Abuja.
By in a statement on Wednesday, by Director-General, Saraki Campaign Council, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, described the reports as “sheer mischief”.
Onaiwu said it was planted by “those who want to gain the PDP presidential ticket by deceit.”
He said Saraki and the governors only held a meeting with Atiku, with the sole aim of informing him of their push towards a consensus candidate.
The DG insists there was no talk of anyone stepping down “as it is yet premature”.
He said, “Our candidate is eminently qualified for the PDP presidential as a former two-term governor, Chairman of the Governors Forum, Senate President and a former presidential aspirant.
“Governor Aminu Tambuwal as former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a serving two-term governor is also qualified to be considered for the ticket.
“Governor Bala Mohammed, a former senator, ex-minister and a serving governor is qualified for the ticket.
“No other aspirant should hide under the “nebulous assumption” that he is overly qualified than others to be stepped down for.
The statement disclosed that if there is a solid agreement on a winning consensus and others step down for whoever, “it will be done openly”.
“Until then, Senator Bukola Saraki, Tambuwal and Mohammed are still in the race”, Onaiwu said.