2023: Saraki tackles Buhari over plot to amend Electoral Act

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has faulted President Muhammadu Buhari for considering an amendment to the Electoral Act, saying it will put the youths in a disadvantaged position.

At the meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) youths comprising zonal and state youth leaders in Abuja, the former governor of Kwara State said he disagreed with the president’s quest to amend the section of the act that bars political appointees from contesting while still in office.

He said, “I disagree with that. Why should someone be in a political office and use the influence of political office to contest? We talked about the participation of youth. What chance does the young Nigerian have to contest with somebody who is sitting in public office; has access to power, influence; has access to funds of government?

“If you want to contest, for heaven’s sake, go out, resign and go and contest. Why would you stay in political office? It’s even wrong for us to be debating it. It is so selfish. If you truly want to represent this country, why do you have to remain in political office? Step out and contest. And if we are talking about youths, we’re talking about people having an opportunity.

“What chance does a 25-year-old young man or woman have against somebody who is a director in a government agency? We should not encourage things like that. What we should do is let us ensure more people come out.”

He also called on the youths to mobilise themselves and work for the success of the PDP in the coming elections.

He pointed out that there were about 18 million youths that had yet to register to vote during the elections and called on the youth leaders to mobilize them for the polls.