Susan Abayomi
The political relationship between former Senate President Bukola Saraki and one of his long-standing associates, Dr Audu Idowu Musa, has come under strain following disagreements over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Musa resigned his membership of the PDP on September 24, 2026, citing his conviction in the principles of justice, equity and fairness for his people.
His resignation has attracted attention in Kwara State because of his long-standing association with the Saraki political family and his previous involvement in activities linked to the former Senate president’s foundation.
Reports indicate that the immediate issue centres on the PDP nomination process for the Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero/Ekiti Federal Constituency seat.
Musa was among aspirants who sought the PDP ticket for the constituency but did not emerge as the party’s candidate. Joseph Gbenga Obanla was subsequently nominated to represent the party in the contest.
According to reports, Musa was dissatisfied with the outcome and raised concerns about the process, particularly over the representation of the Ekiti axis of the constituency.
Some accounts also reported that Musa questioned the emergence of Obanla, noting that he had initially sought the PDP’s senatorial ticket for Kwara South rather than the House of Representatives nomination.
The development has become notable because of Musa’s long-standing relationship with Saraki. He was described in reports as a committed associate of the Saraki family and a major financier of the Olusola Saraki Educational Foundation.
He was also appointed to head the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, further strengthening his association with the former governor and senator.
However, sources cited in reports said some PDP leaders had reservations about Musa’s candidacy and communicated their concerns to Saraki. The reports attributed those reservations to what some party leaders regarded as Musa’s technocratic approach to political affairs.
The disagreement comes at a time when the PDP is working to consolidate its structure in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party has already experienced competing interests among aspirants and factions over its governorship and legislative tickets. In June, rival factions produced separate governorship candidates, highlighting the internal challenges facing the party in the state.
Saraki has previously said that he would not impose a preferred governorship candidate on the PDP, maintaining that aspirants should be given a level playing field and seek support at the grassroots.
More recently, Saraki told PDP members that he remained in the party because of his commitment to the people of Kwara and urged members to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Musa’s resignation therefore adds another layer to the political realignment taking place in Kwara as parties and politicians position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
While it remains unclear whether the disagreement will permanently affect the relationship between Musa and Saraki, the development underscores the tensions that can arise within political alliances when individual ambitions, party nominations and competing interests intersect.
