Former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described the governorship ambition of his former Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ladi Hassan, as driven by personal interest rather than principle, amid rising tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State.
Hassan, who is a factional governorship candidate under the Taminu Turaki-led PDP structure in Kwara, had earlier declared that Saraki was no longer his political leader, while vowing to promote internal democracy in the party.
In a statement in Ilorin by Saraki’s Press Officer on Local Affairs, Mallam Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the former Senate President dismissed the claims, insisting he had been Hassan’s political mentor for over 25 years.
Saraki said Hassan had benefited from his political influence through various appointments, including as commissioner, Chief of Staff, and later Mandate Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also alleged that Hassan only distanced himself from the Saraki political structure after failing to secure the PDP governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Saraki also recalled that Hassan had previously left the political camp after an unsuccessful governorship bid in 2018 but returned following interventions by party elders.
Reacting, Hassan denied allegations of anti-party activity or links with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his ambition was aimed at strengthening democratic values within the PDP.
He maintained that his participation in the political process should not be seen as rebellion but as part of efforts to deepen internal democracy in the party.
