Senator Bukola Saraki of Kwara State has said he had no interest in the Senate Presidency, contrary to rumours in some quarters.

He told journalists in Ilorin at the weekend that it would be "illogical" for him to squander time less than a year to elections in seeking to supplant Senator David Mark as Senate President.

"It would be unfortunate of anyone, in any quarters to (say) that I want Senator Mark's seat," he said.

"I do not want his seat, but I will not be blackmailed in not doing or say what I feel is right because I have been down this road a number of times while standing strong on not only what is right but in the best interest of our great country. Therefore, I will not succumb to cheap blackmail that all my intent was all about naked ambition or personal interest.

"For me to dissipate my time and energy seeking Senator David Mark's seat with a year to election and likely possible only six months of active legislative activities, it will be illogical."
Saraki also spoke on the long-awaited defection of some senators to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it would happen this week.

The former Kwara governor said none of them was afraid of having their seats declared vacant because of defection from the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

"We have given some of the senators this weekend to consult. So it is not the question of if, it is a question of when. It is going to happen; you just have to be a bit patient. It is not a matter of months; it is a matter of days," he said.

"The letter (of defection) is ready, I have signed my own, and I can show you. We know that the majority of senators understand issues beyond the case filed by the PDP," he said.

Saraki who noted that the forced resignation of former PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur was belated, said the party had blocked opportunity for reconciliation.

He also said the APC would win all elections in Kwara, as those remaining in PDP in the state lacked the capacity to deliver for the party.