Saraki Camp Hit By Major Setback As Kwara PDP Governorship Candidate Defects

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has taken a fresh turn following the decision of one of the party’s governorship candidates, Hassan Oladimeji, to formally sever political ties with former Senate President Bukola Saraki.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oladimeji, who is recognised as the governorship candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP, declared that he is now fully aligned with the Turaki camp and no longer associated with the bloc linked to Saraki and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

He made the announcement while reacting to his recent suspension by the PDP leadership in Magaji Ngeri Ward, Ilorin West Local Government Area.

Dismissing the disciplinary action as invalid, Oladimeji argued that those who announced the suspension no longer possess the authority to sanction him because he no longer belongs to their faction.

According to him, the existence of two major factions within the PDP is no longer in doubt.

“There are clearly two factions within the PDP — the Wike-led faction and the Turaki-led faction. While I was previously associated with the Wike group, I have since withdrawn from it and now belong entirely to the Turaki camp,” he stated.

Oladimeji maintained that his departure from the Saraki-aligned bloc renders the suspension meaningless.

“If I am no longer a member of your group, on what basis are you suspending me? The action is baseless because you cannot suspend someone who is not under your authority,” he said.

He further argued that his role within the Turaki-led interim National Working Committee (NWC) reinforces his standing within the party and places him beyond the reach of disciplinary measures from a rival faction.

Reflecting on his political history, Oladimeji acknowledged Saraki’s influence on his career but said their political partnership has come to an end.

“Senator Bukola Saraki has been my political leader for about 25 years, and I have worked closely with him throughout that period. However, at this moment, I am no longer working with him,” he declared.

He added that while Saraki may remain the leader of the Wike-aligned faction in Kwara State, he cannot simultaneously lead the Turaki faction.

Oladimeji also dismissed allegations that his recent actions were designed to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I am not working for the APC. Both APC and PDP are separate political parties. While political interests may occasionally intersect, I am not working for the APC, and that position is clear,” he said.

Despite the deepening divisions, he expressed optimism that reconciliation within the PDP remains possible, blaming the current crisis on a lack of timely dialogue among party stakeholders.

“Politics is an ongoing process. Disagreements are inevitable, but when there is a willingness to reconcile, leaders sit together and find common ground. Unfortunately, that spirit of engagement has been lacking,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Magaji Ngeri Ward leadership had earlier suspended Oladimeji over allegations of anti-party activities and gross misconduct.

In a letter signed by Ward Chairman Prince Aliyu Kolawole and Ward Secretary Taofeek Jimba, the party leadership stated that Oladimeji failed to honour an invitation to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The ward executives said his refusal to appear was interpreted as acceptance of the allegations against him, leading to his suspension from party activities for one month.

The ongoing dispute has resulted in the emergence of rival governorship candidates within the Kwara PDP.

While Oladimeji is recognised by the Turaki-led faction, the Saraki-backed camp has endorsed Engineer Bolakale Kawu as its governorship candidate.

The development has further heightened uncertainty within the opposition party as political realignments continue to shape the landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.