The Claim of the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) Bequeathing the Caliphate to 'Ali

Question:
In Yemen, there are people called al-Sadah (the Sayyids) who claim that Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'Uthman took the caliphate from 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah honor his face), and that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) bequeathed the caliphate to him. Is this correct?

Answer:
It is invalid. They took it through the pledge of allegiance of the Muslims and the consent of the Muslims. The Muslims were their allies, and they pledged allegiance to him. Then 'Umar came, and al-Siddiq (Abu Bakr) recommended him, and the Muslims pledged allegiance to him. Then 'Uthman pledged allegiance to him after consultation, and among those who pledged to him was al-Salam (a reference to a specific group or individual, likely a transcription error for a name or title). However, this is merely the view of the Shi'ah and the worst among them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not bequeath the caliphate; rather, he indicated and gave many signs that the caliph and the trustee of the believers was Abu Bakr. He ordered him to lead the people in prayer during his period of illness. Then 'Umar was recommended to him, and al-Siddiq recommended him, and the Muslims pledged allegiance to him. 'Umar and al-Siddiq are superior to 'Ali by many times over in their status with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). He also said, "Whoever I have preferred over al-Siddiq is 'Umar." They came to him, even the Chosen One (referring to the Prophet), may Allah be pleased with them all. Yes.