Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has denied joining the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released by his media office, Saraki described the reports as “jaundiced opinions and fabrications” about his political leanings and associations.
Background of the Denial
Saraki’s denial comes amid reports of coalition talks among major opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and others. These talks aim to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Saraki’s media office claims that he has no involvement in these discussions.
Concerns Over Coalition Unity
Some critics question the opposition coalition’s ability to form a united front, citing potential disagreements among its members. For instance, Lamido, a key figure, has expressed skepticism about the coalition’s chances, wondering if its members can agree on a common goal.
Reacting, Saraki’s media office urged Nigerians to disregard the reports, labeling them as false claims circulated by elements of the opposition in Kwara.
“It should be noted that the reporter of the story quoted unnamed sources and faceless individuals who he claimed attended a meeting with Dr. Saraki. He also sought the opinions of people who he did not tell the detail of the story he wanted them to respond to.
“We believe his story came from his misconception of why Dr Saraki has refused to associate with or comment on the ongoing efforts by some politicians to form a coalition. It is equally obvious that he simply decided to package as a news story the permutations, projections, and calculations of some individuals who believe they could proffer a reason for the quiet stance of the former Senate President.
“Anybody who has associated closely with Dr. Saraki will know that either in the public or private space, he does not speak carelessly and in a manner that can expose him to ridicule.
“He is always a careful and frugal speaker. The views expressed in that news story and the concocted graphic design in circulation do not represent the position of Dr. Saraki. He has nothing to do with them.
“We, therefore, call on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard and ignore the false claims contained either in the story published by the newspaper or the warped version of it being circulated online by elements of the opposition in Kwara,” the statement read.
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