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Tag: Saraki

  • Saraki’s PDP rescue mission faces early storms

    Saraki’s PDP rescue mission faces early storms

    • Power blocs in fresh plots as more defections loom

    • Legal landmines threaten party’s revival bid

    The Senator Bukola Saraki-led committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to revive the party is already facing threats that could derail its assignment.

    An expanded meeting of PDP Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders in Abuja last Sunday night resolved to give Saraki and  former and serving governors the mandate to redress PDP’s weakening chances ahead of the  2027 general elections, put a brake on high level defections, ensure a rancour-free National Executive Committee meeting on May 27 and reposition the party.

    However, some PDP stakeholders are complaining that the actions and utterances of some party members are not likely to help the PDP resolve its multiple problems.

    Party sources cited the recent threat by the leadership of the South East Zone of the party to defect should the PDP keep preventing the zone’s nominee for the position of National Secretary, Sunday Ude-Okoye, to assume office as replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    The sources named Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as the arrow head of the agitators, alleging that it was an excuse for the group to switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Besides, the concerned PDP members fear that the continued crisis over the office of national secretary may lead to technical electoral losses as the party prepares for the February 21, 2026 election in the six councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The PDP has always won in the FCT but is now facing considerable threat from the APC.

    Mbah, along with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal; Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang; former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson; former Gombe governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and former Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu, is a member of the Saraki committee.

    READ ALSO: Issues in Lagos APC LG primaries

    The  Enugu State chairman of APC, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, who received more than 150 defectors from the Labour Party and PDP within the last one month, has vowed to try to block Governor Mbah from crossing to APC, alleging that APC already has a more competent and capable candidate to take over the state’s Government House in 2027.

    Apart from widespread speculations about  the likely defection of Governor Mbah and at least one northern governor from the PDP, contending blocs within the party are mobilizing their foot soldiers  and legal brains in preparation for confrontations that may threaten  the objectives of the Saraki Committee.

    Said a party source: “It has continued to seem as if every step towards finding solution is swiftly followed by a step towards perdition. If care is not taken, vested interests, proxy wars, subsisting court judgments and looming entanglements with difficult legal hurdles and more defections appear set to weaken PDP further before 2027.”

    Also, following the alleged provision of ‘housing loans,’ by one of the governors opposed to Senator Anyanwu’s retention as  National Secretary, 83 employees at the PDP national secretariat have filed a petition with the party hierarchy to express their opposition to Anyanwu.

    The letter dated May 14, 2025 and entitled ‘Clarion Call for Stability and Survival of Our Party, PDP” has thrown the entire staff at the PDP national secretariat into the storm that used to be a proxy war for party heavyweights only.

    The Zonal Secretary of the PDP in the South East, Mr. Emmanuel Mba, said Governor Mbah  and his supporters who are  now being defined as ‘South East PDP stakeholders” should just take their exit from PDP instead of expecting the entire South East to go with them on the basis of their  demand for replacement of Anyanwu.

    Giving in to their demand, he said, would only trigger too many legal hurdles that could cause more trouble for the party.

     “The issue here that we are talking about is somebody was elected as national secretary at the {national} convention; he has a four-year tenure which ends in December 2025; he wrote to the party for leave of absence to run for an election and returned to his position.

    “But while he was away, a group of guys in Enugu led by Governor Peter Mbah, who is supposed to focus on the governance of Enugu State, said they want to remove him and bring somebody,” he said in a television interview in Abuja.

    He added: “That you are threatening to leave the party does not mean we should do the wrong thing and succumb, because that would be destroying the party completely.

    “Because if we allow somebody that is not elected to sign a document on behalf of someone that is elected, it is a call for disaster, a call for any opposition to go to court and invalidate our nominations.

    “So, this is a constitutional thing. If you want to defect to the APC, you don’t need to threaten us that you want to defect.”

    Also speaking a three-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Teejay Yusuf, said although the Saraki committee balances various interests within the PDP, powerful forces within the party were still hell-bent on taking huge risks solely to try to counter one another’s influence.

    “We are in opposition but we are consciously laying booby traps for ourselves and there are genuine reasons to be very nervous about the PDP NEC meeting scheduled for May 27,” Yusuf told The Nation in Abuja.

    He said: “First of all, there was the Supreme Court ruling on the National Secretary position, which is being arbitrarily misinterpreted. And there is a Federal High Court judgment that cannot be vacated but the governors have decided that they would rather recognise someone else as National Secretary.

    “While you cannot cherry-pick a court ruling, there are also constitutionally-outlined processes of removal which is not being considered at all. So, why are we going into that kind of crisis when you have only a short time before a national convention where you can remove a National Secretary legally?

    “Look at the preparations for the FCT council elections where the council chairmen that PDP had have crossed to the APC to seek re-election, because they said that if the wrong person signs their nomination papers for INEC, somebody in the opposition will simply go to court and quash it on the grounds that they were not duly nominated. Why are we taking such risks?”

  • Don’t play politics with Natasha’s allegation, group cautions Saraki

    Don’t play politics with Natasha’s allegation, group cautions Saraki

    A civil society group, Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN), has cautioned former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, not to play politics with the allegation of sexual harassment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The group also called on the Upper Legislative chamber of the National Assembly not to be distracted by the sexual harassment allegation. 

    The group’s Executive Director, Francis Okereke Wainwei, in a statement in Abuja on Monday said Natasha’s allegations and subsequent theatrics were plots by the Kogi-born lawmaker to escape punishment from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges investigations for breach of Senate rules.

    According to the group: “It is our highly considered opinion that the sexual harassment allegation is a grand ploy by Sen. Natasha to escape punishment from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges for her flagrant breach of the Senate rules,” the group argued.

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    “She wants to use the sexual harassment allegation to distract the Senate committee and attract sympathy from both the Senate and the Nigerian people as a victim of the illegitimate use of power by the Senate President.”

    It called on the Senate to religiously adhere to the strict enforcement of its rules and extant parliamentary procedures to ensure the sustenance of its parliamentary integrity and due process without being swayed negatively by any extraneous distraction or sentiment.

    The group added the Senate should focus on discharging its constitutional responsibilities and duties to the Nigerian people and shouldn’t waste its precious time and resources on frivolous issues, such as the Sen. Natasha sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, as she didn’t even formally present it before the Senate.

    Condemning the call by Saraki that Akpabio should step aside for his Deputy to preside over the investigation of the alleged sexual harassment, the group expressed disappointment that such a statement was made by such a highly respected former parliamentarian, who knows the rules of the Senate and its parliamentary procedures.

    “Mr. Saraki is aware that before any allegation or any matter can be investigated by the Senate, it must be raised in the Senate or formally presented before it. This matter was never raised or presented in the Senate, so how can the Senate investigate it? And also, the incident Sen. Saraki referred to is materially and factually different from the instant matter,” it noted.

    “While the matter under his Senate Presidency was a matter that directly affected the running of his office as Senate President and was raised in the Senate, this sexual harassment matter is a private matter that allegedly happened outside of the Senate, that doesn’t directly affect the administration of the office of the Senate President and was never formally presented before the Senate.

    “We know that Sen. Saraki is playing politics with this sexual harassment matter. He is using it to attract accolades and applause from his party faithfuls in preparation for the 2027 elections and also to show solidarity with his party member as a partisan leader, but such comments are not patriotic and don’t mean well for the nation. When issues like this arise, every patriotic leader is expected to be objective and address the issues frontally without being sentimental.”

  • Saraki to Akpabio, Natasha: submit to open probe

    Saraki to Akpabio, Natasha: submit to open probe

    Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the dispute between Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

    Saraki, who presided over the 8th senate, highlighted the negative impact the development is having on the Senate’s image, integrity, and public perception, urging all involved to prioritise the institution above personal interests.

    He stressed the need for an investigation that adheres to constitutional laws, parliamentary conventions, and Senate rules.

    While cautioning against undue interference in the work of the investigative panel, Saraki maintained the primary objectives should be to uncover the truth and protect the legislative institution from any perception of involvement in or tolerance of wrongdoing.

    In a statement titled: “Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s protect the Institution, not Individuals” on Saturday, March 1, Saraki said: “I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

    “It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. 

    “I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government.

    “It is for these reasons that I believe that the two parties in this dispute and their supporters in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution. 

    “The constitution, laws of the country, rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices should be adhered to in resolving the issue. 

    Read Also: Let your husband defend himself, Natasha tells Akpabio’s wife

    “And the resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. 

    “Rather, the objectives should be to unfold the truth and to protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking.

    “At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. 

    “Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. 

    “This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. 

    “I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. 

    “Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.

    “Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.

    “In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subjecting myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and in the end I am happy I travelled that route.

    “We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve. 

    “The due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made.

    “Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.

    “For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”

  • Saraki congratulates son’s first Grammy award win

    Saraki congratulates son’s first Grammy award win

    Former Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki has congratulated his son, Seni after winning his first Grammy Award.

    The award was given for his contribution to the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which took home the award for Best Reggae Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

    Bukola Saraki expressed his pride and joy on social media platform X, congratulating his son on his achievement.

    Read Also; Edo poll dispute: PDP, APC chairmen hopeful of positive outcome

    “Congratulations, Seni, on winning your first Grammy last night for your work on the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which took home the award for Best Reggae Album! Seeing you pour your heart into your passion and having it recognised on the global stage is an indescribable joy. Well done! We are super proud of you!”, he said.

    Seni Saraki also shared his gratitude, thanking the talented artists and producers who worked on the project, including Nigerian musicians Wizkid and Bloody Civilian.

    He appreciated their bravery in taking on the project and reinterpreting Bob Marley’s iconic songs in their own unique way.

    This achievement is not Seni’s first major industry recognition.

    In 2023, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which he worked on as a music consultant, earned four Grammy nominations.

    As the CEO of The Native, a Lagos-based music magazine, Seni continues to champion African sounds and culture.

    The Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack is a part of a biographical film that explores the life of the reggae icon, highlighting his journey and the revolutionary music that has inspired generations. 

  • Saraki faults Tambuwal’s claim on withdrawal for Atiku

    Saraki faults Tambuwal’s claim on withdrawal for Atiku

    Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has refuted the claim made by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal that he informed him (Saraki) before withdrawing for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2022 presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a statement by his media adviser Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki while responding to a claim made by Tambuwal in an interview aired on a national television said Tambuwal never informed him that he would withdraw for Atiku

    He said he was also surprised like everybody present at the PDP presidential convention that Tambuwal returned to the podium to announce his withdrawal after he had addressed the delegates seeking their votes to fly the party’s presidential flag.

    Read Also: Protest: Saraki Southwest group backs out, gives reasons

    “I need to set the record straight. When I saw Tambuwal returning to the podium after he had earlier addressed the delegates to canvass for their votes, I wondered what was happening. His announcement that he had withdrawn from the race and that the delegates who were supporting him should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar took me by surprise.

    “Tambuwal is my friend but he should take responsibility for his decisions and actions. He never discussed withdrawal from the race with me. I never contemplated withdrawing my candidature from the race and had nothing to do with the decision process that led to his withdrawal in favour of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar”, Saraki said.

  • Lawan condoles Saraki over mum’s death

    Lawan condoles Saraki over mum’s death

    President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has condoled with his predecessor, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, over the death of his mother, Madam Florence Morenike Saraki.

    Senator Lawan, in a statement in Abuja, lauded Saraki’s mother for her legacies of love, selflessness and public service.

    He said: “I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Madam Florence Morenike Saraki, the mother of former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

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    “On behalf of Yobe North Senatorial District, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Sen. Saraki, his family, and the people of Kwara State over her demise.

    “Mama Morenike Saraki was a woman of substance and a pillar of strength for her family.

    “As a mother, she raised a distinguished son who served our nation patriotically as Senate President. Her legacy of love, selflessness and public service will continue to live through him.”

  • Ex-Senate president Lawan condoles Saraki over mother’s death

    Ex-Senate president Lawan condoles Saraki over mother’s death

    President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has condoled his predecessor, Bukola Saraki, over the death of his mother, Madam Florence Morenike Saraki.

    Senator Lawan, in a statement in Abuja, lauded Saraki’s mother for her legacies of love, selflessness, and public service.

    He said: “I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Madam Florence Morenike Saraki, the mother of former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

    Read Also: Mark mourns Saraki’s mother

    “On behalf of Yobe North Senatorial District, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Sen. Saraki, his family, and the people of Kwara State over her demise.

    “Mama Morenike Saraki was a woman of substance and a pillar of strength for her family.

    “As a mother, she raised a distinguished son who served our nation patriotically as Senate President. Her legacy of love, selflessness, and public service will continue to live through him.

    “We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants Sen. Saraki and his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

  • Buhari, AbdulRazaq, Emir condole Saraki over mum’s death

    Buhari, AbdulRazaq, Emir condole Saraki over mum’s death

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with former Senate President Bukola over the death of his mother, Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki.

    Mrs. Saraki died on Tuesday. She was 89.

    Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, praised Chief Saraki’s strength and commitment to family values, especially her resilience in supporting her family after the passing of her husband, Senator Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

    He also highlighted her kindness, thoughtfulness, and community leadership, which inspired many in Kwara State and beyond.

    The statement reads: “I am saddened by the demise of Chief Florence Saraki, a strong pillar of the Saraki dynasty and a mother firmly committed to family values and the welfare of the less privileged. The commitment and resilience she showed by supporting the family following the death of the patriarch, Senator Abubakar Olusola Saraki, is praiseworthy.

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    “She was a hardworking and people-friendly, a community leader whose kindness and thoughtfulness towards others is an inspiration. She will surely be missed by many.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with the former senate president and my noteworthy minister, for whom their mother meant so much. May her soul rest in peace.”

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, said: “The governor particularly commiserates with former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Olaolu Saraki, and the rest of the family on the development.

    “The governor urges the Saraki’s to be consoled by the fine legacies of their matriarch.

    “Governor AbdulRazaq prays to God to repose the soul of Mrs. Florence Saraki and uphold the family after her death.”

    The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in a condolence message by his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona, described the deceased as ‘a wonderful mother, great philanthropist and virtuous wife to Dr Olusola Saraki, the late Waziri of Ilorin, whose contributions to humanity would forever be remembered’.

    “The deceased lived a fulfilled life, with numerous accomplishments. The royal father urges Saraki and his siblings to be strong in heart over this loss. He prays Allah grants the family and friends the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

    Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman has extended his condolences to the Saraki’s.

    Prof. Sulaiman, in a statement yesterday, highlighted Mrs. Saraki’s significant contributions to her family and the country. He praised her as ‘a pillar of strength, a compassionate matriarch, and a guiding light whose legacy of selfless service and dedication to family values will continue to inspire many’.

    He added: “Mama Florence Saraki was more than a mother to one of Nigeria’s eminent political leaders; she was a beacon of hope and a source of support. Her life was a testament to the virtues of love, resilience, and faith. She played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of her children, who have gone on to serve Nigeria with distinction.

    Prof. Sulaiman prayed for her eternal rest in paradise and for God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.

  • Ilorin Emirate mourns Saraki’s mother

    Ilorin Emirate mourns Saraki’s mother

    Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has expressed shock over the death of Mrs Florence Saraki, mother of a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    This is contained in a condolence message signed by the National President of the union, Alhaji AbdulMumini Abdulmalik on Wednesday, in Ilorin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Florence, wife of the former Senate Leader and immediate past Waziri of Ilorin, late Dr Olusola Saraki, died on Tuesday.

    Abdulmalik described her death as a big loss to the renowned family, good people of Ilorin Emirate and the nation at large.

    According to him, late Saraki was an embodiment of humility, hard work and fraternity.

    Read Also: Saraki loses mum

    He said that IEDPU sympathised with the current Waziri of Ilorin and former governor of Kwara, Sen. Bukola Saraki and Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, former Minister of State.

    The union, he said, also sympathized with other members of Saraki family on the demise of their mother.

    He said that the IEDPU also sympathised with the Kwara State Government, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the death of a senior member of Ilorin Emirate community.

    “It prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased was the wife of former Senate Leader and immediate past Waziri of Ilorin, late Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

    (NAN)

  • Saraki loses mum

    Saraki loses mum

    Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has lost his mother.

    He said in a statement: “With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who peacefully transitioned today (yesterday).

    “Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course.

    Read Also: Saraki seeks prayer for country, leaders

    “We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing.”

    Dr. Saraki served as the 13th Senate President from 2015 to 2019.

    He previously served as the Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011.