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Saraki: More Than Iftar, It’s About Bonding

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By Abdullahi Kayode Soliu

Over fourteen years after leaving office as Governor of Kwara State, and over six years of being out of office, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki continues to connect with individuals from Kwara State, whether he is at home or outside the State. Of course, the latest is his Iftar programme held during this Ramadan season in Ilorin and Abuja.

For Saraki, engagement with the people is a continuous affair. It is the stuff that makes a leader worth the name. It makes him feel the pulse of the people. It makes him also demonstrate his sense of empathy. It solidifies the bond with the people and it shows that he is not all about politics. This is not a political season but Islam recommends that Muslims should always be in touch with each other and share symbolic acts of togetherness. They should pray together, exchange views, and eat together. Although each of them can afford good meals in their respective homes. The holy prophet of Islam said whoever gathers his brothers and sisters together to share Iftar meals gains Allah’s reward on each of them he has invited while the invited individuals are also not denied their respective reward for their fasting and supplication.

That is why in line with his traditional role of Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, Saraki usually would host different segments of the Kwara society to Iftar on different days. This year, groups like those of State party leaders, present and former PDP executives, former and present local government party executives, local government party elders across the three senatorial districts, former council chairmen and councilors, PDP chairmanship, and councillorship candidates in the last election, House of Assembly candidates in the last election, representatives of youth, women and elders structures, were hosted.

Also, the leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Motorcyclists Association, Taxi drivers Association, market women, and other artisan groups. Also, some young business owners in the state capital had their session. It was therefore a busy period for a man who was busy sharing goodwill with his kinsmen. All these took place in the first ten days of the Ramadan fast.

On his return to Abuja, the second phase of the engagement continued. Here, the North Central leaders of the PDP across the six states of Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger and FCT had their turn. Then there was a very large group of professionals, bureaucrats, top individuals, and youths from Kwara State based in the FCT who were also invited to Iftar. On the day this group visited, the Lake Chad area of Maitama knew that Kwara State had relocated to that elite area.

The next group that finally participated in this year’s Iftar was Saraki’s colleagues in the Eighth Senate. Despite the short notice as admitted by both the hosts and the guests, many of the senators, male and female, turned up such that all the six zones of the country were represented. About one-third of the full capacity of the Senate came and they were all happy to see each other in what appeared to be a reunion of sorts. It was at the event that one of them reminded the others that this year’s Ramadan made it ten years ago that the 8th Senate was inaugurated in the holy month in 2015 and this also made it the sixth year since that Senate was dissolved.

One thing that all these gatherings indicated is the continued relevance of a man who has set a good tradition for himself and in or out of office, he keeps the flag flying. The consistency of his outreach and engagement shows a man who has risen to become a statesman not just a politician. Also, the good attendance and seamless conduct of the Iftar programmes have continued to demonstrate that Kwara State has nobody that equates Saraki in terms of goodwill, creative engagements, great networking, and building bridges across age, religion, gender, tribe, profession, and political divide.

Regular critics who lack vision may not see the beauty in this act. There is nobody Saraki hosted to Iftar that doesn’t have food at home before and after attending the breaking of fast session. It is about bonding, leadership, and making your community your family.

No present or previous office holder connects as Dr. Saraki does home and away. More than hosting people in his home, the Iftar programme to feed thousands of ordinary people being sponsored by his foundation, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation (ABSF) is currently going on in four states and the FCT to feed the needy, those who are truly indigent and need direct intervention. The get-together was far beyond that, it was to exchange ideas and reminisce on the strong bond of Kwarans. It is beautiful to see that we have at least one or two persons in the private sector who shape the economy of this country. We do not know how blessed we are as a state.

Saraki’s love for Kwara remains unquestionable. Seeing how events in Rivers are panning out, one can now understand why Saraki stays back and remains calm during provoking moments from the government of the day in his state. Truly, a good son would not want trouble anywhere near his state. He has been a huge contributor to the stability of law and order in Kwara State. He simply avoids trouble and provocation regardless of the number of times.

Kwarans from all walks of life and industries, particularly young folks use this moment to connect. Many attendees met each other for the very first time, cutting across both private and public sectors. The discussion over there easily transitions from politics to creating opportunities for people at home at every given opportunity.

Saraki has easily transformed from a politician to an elder statesman, and playing his role diligently. Regardless of ideological differences and party affiliations, his door remains open to discussion on the prosperity of Kwara State. He also had a lot to share on industry-specific discussions and policy issues and how he feels young folks can drive the conversation for the benefit of all.

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Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections

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Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara has emerged as a leading political figure and consensus candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. His emergence reflects a growing call for purposeful leadership, youth inclusion, and a renewed political vision for Kano and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Sankara is widely known for his contributions to community development, youth empowerment, and public engagement. A politician, philanthropist, and public affairs advocate, he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.

His political journey is not new. In the 2019 general elections, Dr. Sankara contested as an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the PDP to represent the Tarauni Federal Constituency in Kano State. His participation in the democratic process demonstrated his long-standing commitment to public service and political representation.

With a vision centered on Youth Empowerment, Innovation, Good Governance, and National Unity, Dr. Sankara is seen by supporters as part of a new generation of leaders focused on inclusive development and responsive representation. His message emphasizes the importance of accountability, opportunity creation, and citizen-centered leadership.

Supporters and party stakeholders believe his experience in community engagement and grassroots mobilization will contribute positively to legislative representation, ensuring that the concerns of ordinary citizens receive adequate attention. His growing acceptance across different groups is seen as a sign of confidence in his leadership and political aspirations.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, many observers view Dr. Nafiu Sankara’s political journey as part of a broader conversation about leadership renewal, youth participation, and the future direction of governance in Kano State and Nigeria.

“The Youth. The Vision. The Change. The Future is Ours.”

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Group, has been declared the winner of the APC primary elections for the Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State. His victory reflects the overwhelming support of voters across the constituency, who have entrusted him once again with the responsibility of representing their interests at the National Assembly.

Since his election into the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu has distinguished himself as a legislator of vision and purpose. His leadership of the Nigeria-China Friendship Group has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade, infrastructure, and technology. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance international diplomacy with grassroots development, ensuring that his constituency benefits from both global partnerships and local initiatives.

Hon. Yakubu is widely respected for his integrity, accessibility, and people-centered approach to governance. Voters describe him as approachable and transparent, qualities that have earned him trust and loyalty. His interventions in education, road construction, and youth empowerment have provided vital opportunities for rural communities in Taraba, connecting them to broader national development. His consistency in legislative duties and his reliability as a representative have further cemented his standing as a dependable voice in the House of Representatives.

His victory at the primaries is not just a political achievement but a reaffirmation of his commitment to service. Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu’s re-election bid promises continuity in championing international cooperation, local development, and legislative accountability. As Taraba looks forward to stronger representation in the National Assembly, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu stands out as a leader who combines vision, diplomacy, and grassroots connection to deliver meaningful progress for Bali/Gassol and Nigeria at large.

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Tinubu Mega Group Mobilises 1,500, Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

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The nation’s capital, Abuja, witnessed a massive political gathering on Tuesday as thousands of supporters under the umbrella of the Tinubu Mega Group (TMG) staged what organisers described as a “National Unity Rally” in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.The rally, which attracted participants from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, brought together over 1,500 groups comprising professionals, civil society organisations, youth associations, religious leaders, artisans, traders, women groups, and grassroots mobilisers.At the rally, the coalition formally presented what it described as the endorsement of “20 million Nigerians” for another four years of President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that ongoing economic and structural reforms must be sustained beyond 2027.Addressing the gathering, the National Spokesperson of the Tinubu Mega Group, Tijani Ali Danjuma, said the rally represented the collective voice of Nigerians who believe in continuity, stability, and national progress.According to him, despite prevailing economic difficulties and global challenges, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated courage and direction in tackling inherited national problems.He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, renewed investments in local refining, economic stabilisation efforts, improved support for state governments, social intervention programmes, and reforms targeted at strengthening local governance and attracting investments.“The student loan programme has opened new opportunities for young Nigerians. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the naira, improve food production, and reposition the economy for long term growth,” he stated.Danjuma added that the massive turnout at the rally was proof that support for the President cuts across regions, sectors, and religious affiliations.“To those spreading false narratives and attempting to create division, our answer is simple, the people have spoken. Nigerians are choosing continuity over confusion and progress over propaganda,” he declared.Also speaking at the rally on behalf of Nigerian professionals, Dr. Tabuko Kennedy said professionals across critical sectors of the economy were backing the administration because reforms require consistency and continuity to succeed.Representing doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, creatives, artisans, and technocrats, Kennedy argued that abandoning ongoing reforms midway could negatively affect national development.He maintained that President Tinubu had shown commitment toward rebuilding the economy, strengthening infrastructure, improving revenue generation, supporting local industries, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths.“As professionals, we understand that difficult reforms are never easy at the beginning, but we also know that abandoning reforms halfway can damage national progress,” he said.Kennedy further declared that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” a statement that drew loud cheers from supporters at the venue.The Christian community was represented by Bishop Kola Oyedepo, who described the current phase of Nigeria’s development as a period requiring patience, sacrifice, wisdom, and collective responsibility.The cleric noted that leadership often demands difficult decisions and urged Nigerians not to allow bitterness, division, or destructive politics to derail ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning the country.According to him, reforms initiated under President Tinubu, including economic restructuring, infrastructure development, educational support through student loans, and efforts to improve local refining capacity, were necessary foundations for a stronger Nigeria.“Every wise builder must first lay a solid foundation. Nigeria today is in the process of rebuilding and restructuring its foundation for a stronger future,” the bishop stated.He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders while reiterating support for continuity in governance.“There is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” he added.Similarly, Islamic cleric Sheik Abubakar Mustapha called for patience, peace, unity, and support for national development efforts.The Imam acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the country, but stressed that meaningful reforms require time, perseverance, and courageous leadership.He commended the administration’s focus on infrastructure, education support initiatives, governance reforms, and local refining projects aimed at strengthening national productivity.“We must not allow division, hatred, or politics of bitterness to weaken our country. Instead, we must support unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership,” he said.Mustapha also aligned with the position of the organisers, insisting that Nigerians who desire stability and sustained development understand that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027.”Observers described the rally as one of the largest political mobilisation efforts witnessed in Abuja in recent months, with participants carrying banners, placards, and campaign materials bearing inscriptions such as “20 Million Nigerians Support Tinubu,” “Continuity for National Development,” and “One Voice, One Vision, One Nigeria.”The rally ended peacefully with prayers for national unity, economic recovery, and sustained democratic governance in Nigeria.

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