Senate Presidency: Tinubu told me to step down for Akpabio ― Umahi

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, says the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, urged him to step down for the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, in the race for the 10th Senate Presidency.

Umahi said he discussed the issue of his Senate Presidency bid with Tinubu and had to accede to his request in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the South-East zone.

The governor said this on Monday, May 8, while speaking with journalists at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Onueke, Ebonyi State, following his return from Abuja.

“I discussed the issue with him when he was in Paris and on return to the country, he invited me.

“It was an honour to be invited by the President-elect and he told me that he had made commitments.

“It is his right as the President-elect to make commitments and anyone running for such office makes promises.

“I did not want to be a clog in the wheel of his progress so I accepted,” he said.

Governor Umahi stated that his withdrawal from the race was in the interest of the South-East, saying it could no longer continue to be in the opposition.

“We cannot continue opposing everything as politics is all about dialogue, give and take.

“What could have happened if I said no and considering our efforts to promote the APC in the zone, we will get a tangible position,” Umahi added.

The governor said he was not aware of any resolution of South-East senators to support former Abia State Governor, Sen. Orji Kalu, for the position.

“I am the chairman of the Akpabio campaign council and can tell you that we have more APC senators on our side,” he said.

Umahi further stated that he would never lobby to be appointed a minister in the incoming administration but leave the decision to destiny, Tinubu, and the party.

“I will accept whatever God wills for me but as a person, I will prefer to be in the Senate to rest.

“I will however, have no choice if it is the sacrifice to make in the interest of the party, South-East and to help the President-elect,” he said.

The Star

Segun Ojo