The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has firmly rejected suggestions that he is acting as a placeholder for former Senate President Bukola Saraki within the opposition party.
Dismissing "Mischievous Falsehood"
In an interview with The Guardian in Abuja, Abdullahi described the insinuations as misguided and rooted in falsehood. He emphasized that his decision to join the ADC and his current position were strictly personal and merit-based. "No, not at all; my membership of ADC is entirely my choice. There is nothing like holding ground for anybody," he stated categorically.
He further clarified that he had not sought Saraki's opinion nor spoken to him for a long time, even before the 2023 general elections. Abdullahi positioned his move as a patriotic effort, saying, "I decided to join other patriotic Nigerians to find durable solution to the rot in the system. I am neither anybody’s ambassador nor proxy."
Background of Speculation and Past Ties
The speculation linking Abdullahi to Saraki is not new. Recall that in March 2014, Abdullahi, who served as Minister of Youth Development and later as Sports Minister, was removed from office by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. Many Nigerians believed he was axed to target Saraki, who had nominated him, after Saraki defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Similar theories resurfaced when Abdullahi was unveiled as the acting National Publicity Secretary of the ADC in July last year. Observers suggested the appointment was to safeguard Saraki's interests pending the resolution of the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Focus on ADC and Silent on Saraki's Future
When pressed on the political future of the former Senate President, Abdullahi declined to comment. He stated his focus is on contributing to building the ADC into a stable political platform capable of delivering good governance and sustainable growth for Nigeria.
He expressed a personal motivation, noting, "I want to be able to tell my children that at a time of grave socio-economic despair in the country, I dared to ask questions and recommend alternative solutions."
The political relationship between Abdullahi and Saraki has seen strains. The Guardian reports that the former Sports Minister parted ways with Saraki after losing the PDP governorship primary in Kwara State, though he disagreed with the outcome. In a past statement, Abdullahi had denied any betrayal, saying, "My leader, Dr Bukola Saraki, did not betray me... Whatever sacrifices I have made in the past were based on my personal principles."
With the PDP in a state of flux, speculation is rife that Saraki, who aligns with the camp of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, might consider a return to the APC or join his allies in the ADC. Abdullahi's latest remarks, however, aim to distance his political journey from these unfolding maneuvers.
