In a move that has shocked political observers in Kwara State, former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Abdullahi, a prominent figure in Kwara politics and a close ally of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, announced his departure in a letter dated December 16, 2024. He addressed the letter to the chairman of the PDP in his local ward, Ubandawaki, located in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party,” Abdullahi stated in the letter.
The resignation marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Kwara State, where Abdullahi has long been a key figure. The former minister explained that his decision was not one made lightly.
“I have had ample time to reflect, and I have come to the difficult conclusion that this is the only tenable option for me at this time,” Abdullahi wrote.
In a statement to LEADERSHIP, Abdullahi’s close associate, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe, a former Chief Press Secretary to Bukola Saraki, confirmed the resignation. Adebimpe expressed his understanding of the former minister’s decision, noting that it was a result of personal reflection.
“This decision was made after days of introspection,” Adebimpe told LEADERSHIP in a conversation in Ilorin on Monday.
Abdullahi’s resignation letter was clear in expressing gratitude towards the PDP, despite his departure. “I would like to thank the leadership of the party for the opportunities I have had to serve the state and the country,” he wrote.
He further added that his time with the party had been full of “great moments,” underscoring that his exit was not prompted by any ill feelings or dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership.
The PDP’s response to Abdullahi’s resignation has been measured. Olushola Adewara, the state publicity secretary for the PDP, spoke to LEADERSHIP on the matter, calling Abdullahi’s decision a personal one.
“The decision is personal to him, as it is reflected in his letter of resignation,” Adewara stated. “He didn’t mention any grievances with the party or its leadership, so there is no ill feeling from us. If he is leaving based on his personal conviction, we can only wish him the best.”
The PDP’s reaction indicates no hard feelings toward Abdullahi, who has long been an influential figure in the party, particularly within Kwara State politics. However, his decision to leave the party has left many wondering about his future political plans.
Abdullahi’s departure is significant, given his background and political history. Having served as Minister of Sports, he was an important member of the administration during the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan. His alliance with Bukola Saraki, one of Nigeria’s most powerful politicians, has also placed him in the heart of national political discourse.
Despite his resignation, Abdullahi has refrained from giving specific details about what led him to leave the PDP, beyond his assertion of personal reflection. His letter did not mention any specific incidents, party policies, or individuals that prompted his departure.
This absence of a clear reason for leaving has fueled speculation about whether Abdullahi might be considering joining another political party or running for office independently. For now, however, he has remained tight-lipped about his future political direction.
In his letter, Abdullahi’s gratitude towards the party highlights the respect he still holds for the PDP. This nuance suggests that while his resignation is a personal decision, it was not driven by bitterness or dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership.
“I am grateful for the opportunities to serve, and I have had great moments with the PDP,” Abdullahi wrote, making it clear that his exit is a result of careful thought rather than any immediate dispute.
While the party’s leadership in Kwara has expressed good wishes for Abdullahi’s future endeavors, the political dynamics in the state may see shifts as a result of this high-profile exit. Abdullahi has been a key figure in the state’s politics, and his decision to leave may have broader implications for the PDP’s influence in Kwara.
The resignation of such a notable political figure raises the question of how the PDP will move forward in the face of growing defections and shifting allegiances within Nigerian politics. As Abdullahi takes time to chart his next steps, political watchers will be keenly observing how his departure affects the party’s standing in the state and at the national level.
