Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has revealed that Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, requested that he withdraw from the race for the 10th Senate presidency and step down for Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Umahi disclosed this on his arrival at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Onueke, Ebonyi State, from Abuja on Monday while answering questions from reporters.

According to Umahi, he discussed his Senate presidency bid with Tinubu during the latter’s visit to Paris and was later invited to meet with Tinubu in person after he returned to Nigeria.

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During the meeting, Tinubu informed Umahi that he had made commitments to Senator Akpabio and requested that Umahi withdraw from the race.

Umahi acceded to Tinubu’s request, saying that he did not want to obstruct Tinubu’s progress and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the South East zone.

Umahi stated that he withdrew from the race in the interest of the South-East because it could not continue to oppose everything.

He said that politics is about dialogue, give and take, and that by withdrawing from the race, the South-East would gain a tangible position in the APC.

Umahi denied knowledge of any resolution by South-East senators to support former Abia Governor, Orji Kalu, for the position, stating that he is the chairman of the Akpabio campaign council and that they have more APC senators on their side.

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Umahi also stated that he would not lobby to be appointed a minister in the incoming administration but would leave the decision to destiny, Tinubu, and the party.

He expressed his preference for a seat in the Senate to rest but would accept any position if it were necessary for the party, the South-East, and the President-elect.