APC Sets Conditions for Ex-senate president’s Possible Return Amid Defection speculation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has expressed its willingness to welcome former Senate President Bukola Saraki back into the party—if he is prepared to abide by its structure and leadership. This was disclosed by the state APC chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, during an interview with The Guardian.
Amid growing speculation that Saraki, a prominent political figure in Kwara and a former governor of the state, may be plotting a return to the APC, Fagbemi said the party is open to reconciliation. However, he was quick to add that anyone returning must do so with a commitment to party discipline and hierarchy. Foreign Spy Disguised as NGO Director Arrested in Burkina Faso “We’ve heard the rumors, but we can’t confirm them,” Fagbemi said. “If true, it’s a positive move — but anyone entering must respect the rules of the house.” Advertisements Saraki, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC in 2014, was instrumental in the APC’s rise to national prominence.
However, he returned to the PDP in 2018 alongside former Vice President and presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar. Despite his return, Saraki has remained a polarizing figure, often rumored to be at the center of political realignments. Most recently, Saraki was critical of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the APC, further fueling speculations about his own political direction.
Reacting to the rumors, Kwara PDP Chairman Tunde Mohammed reaffirmed that Saraki remains a staunch member of the PDP. “If Saraki ever decides to leave, we’ll be ready. But for now, there’s nothing like that happening,” he said. Kola Shittu, a former PDP state chairman, also dismissed the reports, calling Saraki “a political heavyweight” whose presence commands influence wherever he goes. He emphasized that Saraki has not indicated any intention to leave the party. Adding to the denials, an aide to Saraki—who asked to remain anonymous—said the former Senate President has no current plans to defect from the PDP. “His focus remains on what best serves the people of Kwara State,” the aide said, labeling the rumors as “baseless.”
As political activities begin to heat up ahead of the next general election cycle, Saraki’s next move remains a subject of public intrigue. For now, both APC and PDP leaders appear to be playing a cautious game, watching closely as the drama unfolds.
