Tambuwal bows out of presidential race

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday ended the speculation concerning his political future as he formally withdrew from the presidential race to focus on his governorship ambition.

In a statement personally signed by the Speaker, Tambuwal said after consulting widely, he decided to suspend his participation in the presidential race for now in order to sustain the unity and cohesion of the party. He said: “Having consulted widely, taking into consideration the concerns of some elders of the party, I have decided to suspend my participation in the presidential contest for now.

I have done so as a sacrifice for the cohesion and unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I am suspending my participation in the presidential race for now because I do not have any inordinate ambition to occupy any office.

“Nigeria is a country too great to sacrifice on the altar of partisan politics and personal ambition. What anyone becomes in life is exclusively in the hands of God. Only God gives power to whoever he pleases.” Continue after the cut...

According to him, “I have carefully considered the concerns expressed by some of our leaders, whom I deeply respect and whose support and counsel I enjoy, to the effect that my entry into the presidential race at this point may necessitate having to rework some equations on the political chessboard of the party.” 

Tambuwal explained that he “came into the APC to enhance and build, therefore in the interest of our great party, the APC and indeed in the overriding national interest, I wish to appeal to all my associates, colleagues, supporters, admirers and friends nationwide to show some understanding.

“It has not been easy coming to this decision and I very well understand the frustration, disappointment and disbelief of many who have committed so much to the project including sacrificing not only their physical, financial and intellectual resources but indeed their personal ambitions in the 2015 electoral contest.”

The Speaker, who however did not state expressly which position he has decided to vie for, said: “I pledge my loyalty to our party, the APC, and cooperation with my uncles and senior brothers and colleagues who are already in the race for the APC presidential ticket: I refer to General Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor Rochas Okorocha and Mr. Sam Ndah- Isaiah. There is no doubt that they are all eminently qualified.”