Leading chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State unequivocally dismissed recent claims suggesting that former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, had aligned himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC). This clarification was made yesterday by Alh Isiaka Owolabi, the PDP chairman in Kwara Central, and Engr Ibrahim Otukoko, the party’s director of Planning and Strategy, during a radio programme broadcast from Ilorin, the state capital.

Both party officials firmly stated that Dr. Saraki remains a deeply committed and recognized leader of the PDP, not only within Kwara but also at the national level and beyond. Engr Otukoko specifically addressed and refuted a recent claim attributed to Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the director general of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). Prof. Sulaiman had alleged that Saraki was simultaneously working with the APC nationally while leading the PDP in Kwara State.

Otukoko vehemently described Prof. Sulaiman's assertion as misleading, asserting that Saraki’s political standing and allegiance within the PDP are unblemished and unquestionable. He posited that any attempts to link Dr. Saraki with the APC were motivated by personal interests rather than factual evidence. Otukoko reiterated, “Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is today a committed leader of the PDP, fully aligned with the ideals, principles and vision of the party. Some politicians deliberately drop his name to gain relevance and attract attention.”

Further clarifying the context of Prof. Sulaiman's role, Otukoko explained that Dr. Saraki’s involvement in facilitating Sulaiman’s appointment as DG of NILDS was undertaken in good faith and occurred at a time when Prof. Sulaiman himself was a member of the PDP. Otukoko emphasized that such support, extended when both individuals were affiliated with the same party, should not be misinterpreted as an indication of political allegiance to an opposing party. He concluded this point by stating, “If today Prof. Sulaiman chooses to change political direction that is his constitutional right. It has absolutely nothing to do with Dr. Saraki.”

On his part, Alh Owolabi urged all PDP members across Kwara State to disregard any distractions and instead concentrate their efforts on grassroots mobilization, a crucial activity in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. He provided assurances that the PDP in Kwara State remains united and is strategically positioned to face future political challenges effectively.