In the wake of recent revelations by the Senior Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq highlighting alleged covert efforts by former Senate President Bukola Saraki to align with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, political discourse in Kwara State has intensified.
Saraki is reportedly eyeing a political comeback, allegedly hoping to secure influence over Kwara in exchange for his support. However, the response from his loyalists, often referred to as “Sarakites,” has largely revolved around denials and revisionist narratives.
One of Saraki’s known supporters, Onilemarun Abdulkareem, recently argued that if President Tinubu were to choose between Saraki and AbdulRazaq, he would side with the former Senate President. However, this assertion has been widely criticized by political analysts and historians as lacking credibility and ignoring established political realities.
Contrary to Abdulkareem’s claim, Bukola Saraki was not a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC was formally established on February 6, 2013, as a coalition of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Saraki and other members of the New PDP (nPDP) only joined the party when it became apparent that the APC had a strong chance of unseating the PDP.
Furthermore, the notion that Governor AbdulRazaq was politically unknown before 2019 is inaccurate. Long before his emergence as governor, AbdulRazaq was an active political figure in Kwara funding community initiatives and providing grassroots empowerment. In contrast, Saraki rose to political prominence largely through his father’s influence, a dynamic that many Kwarans remember as imposed and undemocratic.
Accusations that Governor AbdulRazaq disrespects traditional rulers have also been contested. Historical accounts suggest that under Saraki’s leadership, traditional rulers were at times treated with disregard—such as being made to queue at airports to receive imported cows or facing delayed payments. In comparison, AbdulRazaq’s administration has made efforts to accord respect and provide support to the traditional institutions in the state.
The claim that AbdulRazaq lacks a political base is contradicted by electoral results. Despite criticisms, the governor has led the APC to victory over Saraki’s camp in three successive elections. These results suggest that the political tides in Kwara have shifted significantly in AbdulRazaq’s favor, and any attempts by Saraki to regain influence have so far been unsuccessful.
Some Saraki loyalists have also accused Governor AbdulRazaq of working against President Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions. These allegations, however, are widely seen as unfounded. AbdulRazaq was instrumental in Tinubu’s successful presidential campaign in 2023, both at the nomination stage and during the general election. Tinubu’s significant win in Kwara is a clear reflection of the governor’s political loyalty and influence.
In contrast, Saraki’s political history has been marred by accusations of betrayal. He has been accused of turning against key figures who supported his rise, including undermining former President Muhammadu Buhari and mismanaging campaign efforts for Atiku Abubakar. His controversial exit from the APC while still serving as Senate President is also seen by many as a breach of party loyalty.
Analysts argue that President Tinubu, known for valuing steadfast allies, is unlikely to favor a figure like Saraki over a consistent supporter like AbdulRazaq. While the President may extend reconciliation gestures to past opponents, entrusting sensitive political strategies to a controversial figure with a record of political defection would be considered a risky move.
Ultimately, the idea that Saraki could displace Governor AbdulRazaq in Tinubu’s inner political circle is viewed by many as wishful thinking. The President’s track record shows a preference for loyalty, humility, and dependable leadership—qualities that AbdulRazaq has consistently demonstrated.
