Saraki Dismisses Wike Ties as Signal of Support for Tinubu, Focuses on PDP Unity
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has explicitly denied that his public association with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike constitutes an endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 elections. Saraki, a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated his political actions are always transparent and not conducted through covert alliances.
In an interview on Channels Television, Saraki, a former governor of Kwara State, emphasized his open approach to politics. “I’m not somebody that says things I’m not going to do. I don’t do things at night; I’m not a night person. If I’m going to do something, I come out openly and say this is where I stand,” he remarked.
When directly asked whether his relationship with Wike, a former PDP governor and key party figure now serving in Tinubu’s cabinet, amounted to a subtle backings of the president, Saraki rejected the premise. “You can’t extrapolate that. My friendship is based on what we are going to do about this party,” he explained, redirecting focus to the PDP’s internal survival.
Saraki acknowledged stylistic and ideological differences with Wike but asserted a shared, fundamental objective. “I have found that his style and views might be different, but we both agree that the PDP must not die. It must remain a viable platform for Nigerians to contest elections,” he stated, adding that he has no doubt about Wike’s sincerity on this point.
The conversation pivoted to the urgent need for the PDP to reform its internal structures. Saraki stressed the importance of a transparent and credible national convention and subsequent primaries, advocating for increased involvement from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to bolster legitimacy. He called for reconciliation among the party’s various factions, arguing that unity is essential to rebuild trust among members.
“If we truly don’t love the PDP, we can leave for another party. But many of us believe in rebuilding it,” Saraki said. He framed the ongoing efforts for reconciliation and a transparent process as critical for restoring the party’s health and electoral viability.
Saraki’s comments serve as a clear delineation of his political priorities: focusing on the revitalization of the PDP rather than aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His stance underscores the ongoing internal dynamics within Nigeria’s main opposition party as it prepares for future electoral contests, including the 2027 general elections. The significance lies in the attempt to present a unified front and credible governance alternative amid a fragmented political landscape.
