Abdulaziz Yari, the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator representing Zamfara West, has made allegations that he was unable to secure victory in the election for the position of Senate President due to the influence of powerful forces working against him.
Yari expressed surprise at his defeat in the election for the leadership of the 10th Senate, as he had been optimistic about his chances of winning before the election.
Despite his disappointment, Yari stated that he has accepted his defeat and will cooperate with the new leadership.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Yari emphasized that the election in the National Assembly should not be marred by controversies regarding rigging. He acknowledged that each of the 109 senators has their own opinions and intentions, and collectively they have made their decision.
According to Yari, he would not have contested for the position if he did not believe he had a good chance of winning. He claimed that a head count of his supporters indicated a number that would have secured his victory.
However, Yari alleged that the convergence of certain forces against him ultimately resulted in his loss in the election.
“There was the President, the Vice President was involved, also Secretary to the Government and the Governors, I was left alone with only those faithful individuals,” he alleged.
“I hope if the President comes for his second tenure, he will allow internal democracy to thrive in the National Assembly. He said he had a preference but to be just, he should be for all,” he said.
Senator Yari however declared that his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had not changed, because he believed in destiny.
“I believe it’s Almighty Allah’s doing, not Tinubu’s doing. It’s Allah that has destined it to be so,” he said.
