Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State have issued a firm rebuttal to swirling rumours suggesting that the former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has clandestinely shifted his political allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP Leaders Issue Clarification on Radio
The dismissal was made public by key party figures during a radio programme broadcast in Ilorin, the state capital. Alhaji Isiaka Owolabi, the PDP Chairman for Kwara Central, and the party’s Director of Planning and Strategy, Engineer Ibrahim Otukoko, jointly addressed the speculation, labelling it as misleading and without factual basis.
"Saraki remains a committed and recognised leader of the PDP in Kwara, nationally and beyond," the duo emphatically stated, seeking to put the matter to rest.
Allegations Tied to Personal Agendas, Not Facts
Engineer Otukoko specifically addressed recent comments attributed to the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman. The professor had suggested that Saraki was operating with the APC at the national level while simultaneously leading the PDP in Kwara.
Otukoko categorically rejected this narrative. "Saraki’s political standing within the PDP remains intact and unquestionable," he asserted. He went further to explain that such claims are often tactics employed by other politicians. "Some politicians deliberately drop his name to gain relevance and attract attention. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is today a committed leader of the PDP, fully aligned with the ideals, principles, and vision of the party."
Support for Appointment Does Not Equal Defection
Providing crucial context, Otukoko clarified that Saraki’s role in facilitating Professor Sulaiman’s appointment as DG of NILDS was an act of goodwill extended while Sulaiman was still a member of the PDP. He stressed that such support should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of another political party.
"If today Prof Sulaiman chooses to change political direction, that is his constitutional right. It has absolutely nothing to do with Dr Saraki," Otukoko clarified, drawing a clear line between personal recommendation and party affiliation.
Looking ahead, Alhaji Isiaka Owolabi urged all PDP members across Kwara State to disregard these distractions. He directed focus towards the critical task of grassroots mobilisation in preparation for the 2027 general elections. He assured that the party remains united and is strategically positioning itself for future electoral contests.
The public statement was issued on Monday, December 30, 2024, aiming to quell rumours and solidify party ranks. This clarification comes amidst a dynamic political landscape in Nigeria, where speculation about high-profile defections often surfaces between major election cycles.
