Saraki Refutes Claims of Political Meeting in Ilorin Amidst Rising Speculations

In a swift rebuttal to a widely circulated media report, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has denied convening a clandestine political meeting in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, to discuss the evolving national political dynamics. The report, initially published by Daily Trust, had stirred speculation about Saraki’s political intentions, suggesting he met with loyalists to deliberate on potential alignments and strategies, including a possible return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The article cited unnamed sources who purportedly attended the alleged meeting, claiming that Saraki ruled out any plans of returning to the APC. According to these sources, Saraki allegedly dismissed the rumor as an orchestrated move by certain APC elements to cause division and uncertainty among opposition ranks. The same report also quoted Saraki as expressing doubts about the feasibility of floating a new political party, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s political dominance as a significant hurdle for any opposition regrouping.

However, Saraki’s camp wasted no time in issuing a formal statement through his media office in Abuja, categorically refuting the claims. The statement, signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the entire story as “fabricated” and “jaundiced,” accusing the reporter of relying on hearsay and unverified sources to construct a misleading narrative.

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Saraki Discredits “False Reports” as Political Mischief

Olaniyonu emphasized that the story was built on “faceless individuals” and hearsay, noting that the reporter failed to name credible sources or verify any of the claims presented in the publication. He asserted that Saraki neither hosted nor participated in any such political gathering in Ilorin, adding that the narrative was merely a distorted interpretation of Saraki’s silence on current political coalitions being formed across the country.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

Saraki’s media office went further to accuse political adversaries in Kwara State of exploiting the fabricated story by designing and circulating a manipulated graphic meant to lend false credibility to the claims. According to the statement, these opposition figures are bent on undermining Saraki’s reputation and sowing confusion within his political base.

“It should be noted that the reporter of the story quoted unnamed sources and faceless individuals… He also sought the opinions of people to who he did not tell the detail of the story he wanted them to respond to,” the statement continued.

Caution Against Disinformation Campaigns

Highlighting Dr. Saraki’s reputation for discretion and measured speech, the statement urged the public to ignore the speculative report and its doctored versions being shared online. “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,” it emphasized. “He is always a careful and frugal speaker.”

Saraki’s media team reaffirmed that the former Senate President has no ties to the opinions or positions being falsely attributed to him. It described the situation as a calculated attempt by opposition players to weaponize disinformation for political gain, especially as the nation inches closer to future electoral cycles.

The statement concluded with a direct appeal to the public: “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 State.”

As the political climate in Nigeria continues to shift, especially with growing talks of new coalitions and alignments, Saraki’s name is likely to remain in the headlines. However, his latest clarification sends a clear message that he remains disengaged from any current partisan scheming—at least for now.