Bukola Saraki Declines 2027 Electoral Contests, Cites Governance Concerns in Kwara
Bukola Saraki, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and former Senate President, has definitively stated his intention not to vie for any elective office in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This declaration signals a significant shift in his immediate political trajectory, as he confirmed he would not seek the presidency nor return to the Senate.
Saraki articulated his decision during a recent interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” where he candidly addressed his future electoral aspirations. “No, I’m not… I’m not contesting the election,” he stated, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his participation in the 2027 polls.
Beyond his personal electoral plans, Saraki also elaborated on his recent heightened engagement with the political landscape of Kwara State. He has been vocal in his criticisms of the current administration in his home state, particularly concerning issues of insecurity. Saraki explained that his renewed focus on Kwara is not driven by a desire to seize power by any means necessary, but rather by a deep-seated concern for the well-being of its citizens.
“It’s not that I want to win Kwara by all means,” Saraki emphasized. “It’s been a focus that I’ve been closer to the people over the last few years I’ve not been in government, and I’ve seen the pain they’ve gone through.” He further elaborated on the perceived missteps of the current leadership, stating, “I’ve seen the mistakes they’ve made. I’ve seen the fact that they haven’t got the kind of government they expected, and the hardship they’ve gone through, the insecurity they’ve gone through.”
As a seasoned political leader, Saraki feels a profound sense of responsibility to contribute to improving governance in Kwara State. He believes that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its candidates, is best positioned to offer the kind of leadership that the state requires. “As a responsible person, leader… I hold it as my responsibility to do my best to see that they have the best type of governance, which I believe that PDP, through our candidates, can provide for,” he asserted.
The issue of insecurity in Kwara State was a central theme in Saraki’s commentary. He strongly criticized the prevailing security situation, attributing it directly to governance failures rather than external factors or changing societal dynamics.
Insecurity in Kwara: A Governance Failure
Saraki drew a stark contrast between the current security climate and his tenure as governor. “I believe that based on the period when I was the governor, this situation was not like this,” he remarked. He posited that the increasing activities of bandits within the state are a direct consequence of a relaxed approach to security vigilance by the incumbent government.
He explained his reasoning: “Most of those bandits have looked at places of least resistance and less guarded, and found Kwara that place available, because the government just kept their eye off the ball.” This perspective suggests that a lack of proactive security measures and consistent oversight has created vulnerabilities that criminal elements have exploited.
Saraki’s statements underscore a broader concern about the state of governance and security in Kwara. While he has opted out of direct electoral contests for 2027, his continued engagement and critique highlight his commitment to advocating for better leadership and improved living conditions for the people of Kwara State. His focus appears to be shifting towards mentorship, advocacy, and supporting political forces he believes can enact positive change, rather than pursuing personal political office.
