Begi Begi: Brief Diagnosis of Bukola Saraki’s Dead Political Career : by Ayanwale Folorunso

Once again, Mr. Wahab Oba, the chief image launderer for Dr. Bukola Saraki, has failed in his relentless bid to defame Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and obscure the achievements of his administration. His recent article, titled ‘Behind the Mask: ADC, Governor AbdulRazaq, and the Opposition’s Dilemma’, has been met with widespread criticism and condemnation. In his attempt to tarnish the Governor’s reputation, Wahab inadvertently exposed the political failings of his paymaster and the antics that have long lost traction at the presidency.

There’s no need to reiterate the Governor’s outstanding strides in education, sports, infrastructure, agriculture, and other sectors over the last six years, they are well-documented and in the public domain. Clearly, Mr. Wahab Oba has a twisted definition of progress. To him, a ‘progressing’ state is one where workers are owed salaries, promotions are suspended, roads and school buildings lie in ruins, and healthcare centres are converted, all trademarks of the Saraki-led era when his paymaster held sway.

I sincerely wish Wahab a speedy recovery from his delusions. May his bad wishes for Kwara never come to pass.

Wahab wrongly assumed that Governor AbdulRazaq is as treacherous as Bukola Saraki when he accused the Governor of holding secret meetings with members of the ADC coalition in Abuja, allegedly plotting to betray President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. Perhaps Wahab believes Governor AbdulRazaq only became close to the President after his emergence as Governor. For the record, their relationship predates AbdulRazaq’s political journey. President Tinubu trusts Governor AbdulRazaq just as he trusts the likes of Femi Gbajabiamila and Nuhu Ribadu.

It is Saraki who has earned the title of a serial betrayer, which explains why President Tinubu has kept him at arm’s length and rejected his request to work with him in 2027 with Kwara State as his reward. Saraki’s betrayal of President Tinubu is well-known to political observers. He is infamous not only for betraying his political allies but also for betraying his late father Olusola Saraki, the very man who brought him to political limelight and made him Governor of Kwara State.

Wahab Oba feigns not knowing that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar excluded Saraki from the recent coalition talks because of his clandestine moves against Atiku’s candidacy in the last presidential election. Many political observers have cited Saraki’s alleged diversion of Atiku’s campaign funds in Kwara as a contributing factor to the PDP’s poor performance in the state. While notable figures like Bolaji Abdullahi have since exited the party due to these issues, Saraki has yet to account for the funds entrusted to him.

The Sarakis: Paperweight Politicians Without Federal Might

The Saraki dynasty dominated Kwara until 2019, largely due to its exploitation of federal influence and using the machinery of the state to rig elections and silence opposition. The Otoge political revolution of 2019 shattered and dismantled this retrogressive hold. Since then, Bukola Saraki and the sinking Saraki dynasty/Kwara PDP have been battling political irrelevance, suffering successive defeats at every election.

Bukola Saraki knows where things went wrong in 2019. His current desperation for federal backing is no secret. Unfortunately for him, Kwarans have become wiser and more politically conscious. They will not return to the days of servitude and manipulation. More importantly, President Tinubu would never trade a dependable and loyal ally like Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for a treacherous and self-serving politician like Dr. Saraki, whose record of betrayal speaks volumes.

Defaming AbdulRazaq to Redeem Saraki: A Futile Move

Wahab Oba and his ilk are wasting their time. Saraki’s public image is irreparably damaged. No amount of spin can revive it. This is why Wahab and his likes every attempt to discredit Governor AbdulRazaq before the presidency and incite public resentment against him continues to fail. Kwarans recognize AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a visionary leader dedicated to the state’s progress, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sees in him a reliable and upright partner. In contrast, Saraki’s reputation both locally and nationally is marred by betrayal. Defaming AbdulRazaq is not the way to launder Saraki’s battered image.

Ayanwale Folorunso is a political scientist. He writes from Kwara State.