A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has clarified that his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, should not be seen as backing President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The former Kwara State governor explained that he is transparent in his actions and does not engage in “night dealings.”
Saraki made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also shared his stance on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its forthcoming convention.
Rejecting suggestions that he is working for President Tinubu, he stated, “I’m not somebody that says things I’m not going to do… I don’t… I don’t do things at night, I’m not a night person. If I’m going to do something, I come, I stick my chest out. This is where I’m going.”
Addressing whether his friendship with Wike signals support for Tinubu, Saraki said, “You can’t extrapolate that. My friendship is based on what we are going to do about this party.
“I found his style, his views might be different, but that PDP must not die. PDP must be able to provide a platform for people to contest elections. That, I do not in any way doubt, is the sincerity where he stands, that’s where I stand.”
Although Wike remains a prominent figure in the PDP, he has consistently voiced support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition under the APC, a position that has drawn criticism from some members of the opposition party who view it as disloyal.
Earlier in March 2026, during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike reiterated his backing for candidates aligned with the president.
Saraki’s comments come amid an ongoing leadership dispute that has affected the PDP since November 2025.
Party governors had previously endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and other members of the National Working Committee to serve a four-year term.
In contrast, a faction loyal to Wike later set up a 13-member caretaker committee, appointing Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Anyanwu as acting national secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate.
Following its NEC meeting on Monday, the Wike faction stated that the party had stabilised as it moves toward the national convention.
On the PDP, Saraki emphasised his support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the party and ensuring credible processes, including the convention and primaries.
He also called for reconciliation among the different factions to rebuild trust and confidence within the party.
