Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has disclosed that the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, urged him to step down for Godswill Akpabio in the race for the senate presidency.

Mr Umahi disclosed on Monday at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke, while answering questions from reporters on arrival to the state from Abuja.

The governor said he discussed the issue of his senate presidency bid with Mr Tinubu and had to accede to his request in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the South East zone.

“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.

Mr Umahi said that his withdrawal from the race was in the interest of the South-East as it could no longer continue to be in the opposition.

“We cannot continue opposing everything as politics is 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,” he said.

The governor said he was unaware of any resolution of South-East senators to support former Abia Governor 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.

He said he would never lobby to be appointed a minister in the incoming administration but leave the decision to destiny, Mr Tinubu and the party.

“I will accept whatever God wills for me, but as a person, I 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.

(NAN)