- The forensic audit released by the Kwara State Government has affected the chances of former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s bid to become the Director General of Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign.
Atiku had on Thursday named incumbent Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal as his 2023 presidential election campaign Director General.
Saraki a former Senate President was returned as an ordinary Member of the committee.
Atiku also named incumbent Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed as his Deputy Director General, North.
He also named Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel as the Chairman of his campaign Council.
Real Reason Saraki was ignored
A Party Chieftain from Kwara South has in an interview revealed why he was ignored by the Atiku’s camp.
He said, “You know he was considered in 2019 for the DG position against all odds.
“Saraki has lost out in the power play and now unusually silent since after the primary election.
“The Forensic Audit carried out by the state government is the reason he wasn’t considered.
“Atiku is being careful to associate with him because of the issue of the audit and no one knows when the EfCC might come calling.
“If EfCC invites him tomorrow during the campaign you know it would affect the campaign but Tambuwal has immunity so he’s the perfect match.
Yaman Vs Saraki’s Feud
It’s also gathered that there’s an ongoing feud between the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Shuaib Yaman and the party’s leader Saraki.
It’s reported that the candidate and Saraki are in a cold war over supremacy.
Since the Governorship primaries, Yaman hasn’t openly identified with Saraki or his acolytes.
He has been absent at all the party’s major event in the state and more recently the Omoluabi summit organise by the Senatorial Candidate of the party in Kwara Central, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
He was even absent when some members of the APC joined the party formally recently.
*Yaman lobbying to be in charge of Campaign’s Fund*
Its also reported that the party’s governorship candidate is lobbying to be directly in charge of the PDP Presidential candidate’s campaign fund in Kwara state.
Yaman is scared of the Saraki’s camp completely pocketing the fund and mismanagement.
Yaman’s aide in a telephone conversation also confirmed the issue saying there’s a cold war but it’s primarily on the issue of forensic audit.
He said, “He is trying to avoid issue of corruption affecting his campaign, because of the forensic audit.
“Kwarans are now politically aware and would avoid anything that has to do with corruption.
“The forensic audit is really biting everyone and we are trying to avoid painting our candidate as corrupt because of Saraki’s affiliation.
“why would Yaman accept what Atiku himself rejected.”
Efforts to reach Saraki’s aide were abortive as they are not responding to calls and messages.