A former governor of Nasarawa State and Senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Sen. Umar Tanko Al-Makura, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, on Sunday, said the report that President Muhammadu Buhari had endorsed a candidate was mere speculation, vowing not to withdraw from the party’s chairmanship race.
“The sources of information were not authentic. They were not genuine. And I know what Mr. President stands for. He always stands for what is right and due process. And unless I have an authoritative source of information that is clear. I still have my doubts. I have many avenues through which I can reach Mr. President and people around him.
“And since those speculations did not come through those avenues, I consider them as a speculation. That is why as I speak with you, my campaign is going with a different tempo, to ensure that my campaign is going far and wide to await the next line of action as directed by the party leadership.”
Also in a chat with Nigeria Standard Turaki Mustapha Salihu, said he would not be stepping down, adding that it was not true that Buhari had endorsed anyone.
“I am 100 per cent in the race. As long as we the aspirants and party stand today, no official communication exists for us to step down or run. For myself, I am 100 per cent in the race and I am hoping that as the neutral candidate among the contestants, if any consensus will be reached, I am hoping I will be endorsed,” he said.
