Prominent political figures across Nigeria have lauded the former Senate President and two-term Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the Nation’s political stability.
This development was confirmed at a Youth Summit organised by the office of the Kwara State PDP Youth Leader.
The event, held at the Arca Santa Arena in Ilorin on Friday marked the 8th Senate President of Nigeria, Dr. Saraki’s 63rd birthday.
The summit, themed ‘Building The Future, Repositioning Kwara Youths For Leadership Participation And Democratic Growth,’ focused heavily on the need for youth inclusion and the role of competent leadership in ensuring stability.
In his opening remarks, Comrade Odunjo Adio Friday (Obbo-Ile), the Kwara State PDP Youth Leader and host lauded Saraki’s commitment to youth development, noting that he remains one of the few governors to have deliberately positioned young people as major stakeholders in governance.
Adio cited cabinet Inclusion which over 70 per cent of his cabinet members during his governorship were reportedly young, including the then-serving National President of the NYCN.
He also made references to legislative action where Saraki’s Senate Presidency achieved landmark youth-oriented actions, including the historic Not Too Young To Run Bill.
Speaking also, Comrade Jude Gabriel Imagwe, former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan (represented by Hon. Funsho Babarinde), offered a deep reflection on Saraki political philosophy, describing the celebrant as a living chapter in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Imagwe argued that Kwara’s stability is cultivated, not accidental, noting that Saraki tradition was built on an intuitive grasp of social psychology, that peace must precede progress and inclusion disarms conflict.
Imagwe said Saraki’s era marked a transition from personality politics to system-conscious leadership, with his investments in institutional reforms and legislative independence reflecting a belief that security is sustained when institutions outlive individuals.
He lamented that insecurity has taught Nigerians a hard lesson, where politics fractures society, insecurity will fill the vacuum, but security will find its footing where leadership builds consensus.
Hon. Bankole Omisore, representing Governor Adeleke, in his remarks praised Saraki, emphasizing his rare impact and advising Kwarans to strive to bring PDP back to power for progressive governance.
Speaking at the summit, the celebrant Dr. Saraki addressed the seeming intractable internal conflict within the PDP, assuring members that the crisis will soon come to an end.
“As we speak, the two factions of the PDP are meeting with INEC, I want to assure you that the future is very bright, in a few months to come, we shall become one indivisible party by then, we will have aligned the factions into one.
Saraki went further to clarify his position on aspirants ahead of the 2027 General Election, stating he has no preferred candidate.
“I don’t have any favoured candidate or aspirant; anyone is free to contest any elective position. Go and deliver those who will represent us.” He said.
He called the political structure a marriage of the old and young but emphasized that it’s the time of the youths, urging them to put their creativity and energy to use.
The gathering also featured cutting of cake in honour of the celebrant and gifts presentation by different groups as a show of their unmatched loyalty, trust, love and belief in his Leadership.
The summit was well-attended by party stalwarts and political figures, including; Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Hon. Isa Bawa (Kwara State PDP Chairman), Former Speaker Ahmad Ali, Hon. Omar Bolaji Gambari, Professor Fatahi Aremu,Hon. Apesin Abiodun Adegoke (Governor Adeleke’s SSA on Market Affairs and Trade), Hon. Aare Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi (Governor Adeleke’s Special Assistant on Youth Affairs).