Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has publicly affirmed his enduring political allegiance to former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, describing him as a lifelong mentor and his "political radar."
Adeleke's Political Tutelage Under Saraki
The governor made this declaration on Friday, December 19, 2025, at a youth summit organized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to mark Saraki's 63rd birthday. The event was held at the Alca Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Bamikole Omishore, Governor Adeleke recounted that his political journey began under Saraki's wing 14 years ago in Kwara State. He stated that Saraki recruited him at a time when he was a passionate young man in his late twenties with no clear political direction.
"Since then, his mentorship, discipline, guidance, and political education have remained integral to my personal, political, and professional journey," Adeleke said through his representative. He credited Saraki for teaching him everything he knows about politics.
Saraki's Address and Call to Kwara Youths
In his response, the celebrant, Dr. Bukola Saraki, noted that the festivities were subdued due to the ravaging banditry and general insecurity in Kwara State. He emphasized that the killings and unsafe conditions did not permit a flamboyant celebration.
Saraki described the summit as a crucial platform for engagement between older generations and the youth, who he said constitute 70 per cent of Nigeria's population. He placed the future of Kwara and Nigeria on the shoulders of the attendees.
He issued a strong advisory to the young people present: "Don't follow any leader blindly; you must choose and follow the right leadership with open eyes, not blindly." He urged them to resist being deceived into mortgaging their future and to fight with determination to make Kwara better.
PDP Chieftains Appraise Saraki's Legacy
The event also featured glowing tributes from other PDP stalwarts. The Women Wing of the Kwara PDP, led by Hon. Aminat Funmilayo Ishola, praised Saraki as a dependable party pillar. Ishola highlighted his inclusive, people-centred leadership and his consistent respect for women in politics, which has created meaningful opportunities for their participation.
The State PDP Youth Leader, Comrade Adio Odunjo, appraised Saraki's life as one of purpose and service. He recalled Saraki's unprecedented commitment to youth inclusion:
- As Governor of Kwara State, over 70 per cent of his cabinet were competent young people.
- As Senate President, he appointed the highest number of youths as legislative aides.
- He championed landmark laws like the Not Too Young To Run Bill.
In his opening remarks, the State PDP Chairman, Isa Bawa, asserted that the PDP is the only platform that genuinely provides space for youth growth and mentorship, believing the country's future rests on them.
The summit ultimately reinforced Saraki's stature as a rallying point within the PDP and a figure whose political school continues to produce leaders like Governor Ademola Adeleke.
