Saraki reacts to claims by ‘Not Too Young To Run’ members that he hijacked their platform to announce his presidency

Senate President Bukola Saraki has said his declaration to run for office of the president was not meant to put the Not Too Young To Run movement in a difficult position after he declared his intention to run at an event organised for young political aspirants.  

The group later said it was disappointed in Saraki for using its platform to declare his ambition.  

However, Saraki said the declaration was made in good faith. Speaking through Yusuph Olaniyonu, his special adviser on media, Saraki appreciated the contribution of movement to the development of the country’s democracy and promised that he would continue to work closely with young people for the good of the country.  

“It has been brought to our attention that the Not Too Young to Run group has issued a statement in relation to the announcement made by the president of the senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, whilst addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and aspirants of the group,” he said in a statement.

“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.”