The National Publicity Secretary of the opposition coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has firmly dismissed rumours that he is “holding ground” in the party for former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki. Abdullahi described such insinuations as either misguided or rooted in intentional falsehoods, stressing that he has not consulted Saraki or sought his input for a long time—even before the 2023 general election.
Speculation about Saraki’s political future has intensified following a pause in reconciliation efforts by a committee and his delayed presidential ambition. Saraki’s departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) triggered renewed conversations around his next steps in Nigerian politics.
Some observers have linked Abdullahi’s rise within the ADC to Saraki, especially since his appointment last July as acting National Publicity Secretary. Critics had suggested that his position was designed to safeguard Saraki’s interests as the PDP grappled with internal challenges.
However, speaking with The Guardian in Abuja, Abdullahi dismissed these claims, insisting that his decision to join ADC and serve in his current role was based entirely on his personal choice and merit. “No, not at all; my membership of ADC is entirely my choice,” he stated. “There is nothing like holding ground for anybody.”
Abdullahi emphasized that his move to ADC reflects a desire to work with other patriotic Nigerians to confront systemic issues in the country. He rejected the idea that he is acting as a proxy or ambassador for any political figure, asserting instead that he aims to help find durable solutions to Nigeria’s socio‑economic challenges.
“I am in ADC to join hands with well‑meaning citizens to salvage the country from its rudderless drift,” Abdullahi said. He expressed a personal motivation to be able to tell his children that in times of national despair, he dared to ask difficult questions and recommend alternative solutions.
When asked about Saraki’s political trajectory, the ADC spokesman chose not to comment directly, reiterating that his priority is strengthening the ADC into a stable political force capable of promoting good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.
According to The Guardian, Abdullahi and Saraki parted ways politically after Abdullahi lost the PDP governorship primary in Kwara State, a development he does not view as betrayal. In a previous statement, he noted that multiple factors shape political outcomes and urged against interpreting the split as disloyalty. “My leader, Dr Bukola Saraki, did not betray me,” he said.
