Abdullahi as an Epitome of Loyalty
Since coming onboard the Bukola Saraki train as a special adviser in 2003 before becoming commissioner and later minister – all at the machination of the Senate President Bukola Saraki – Malam Bolaji Abdullahi knew he might have earned a career in politics and at the magnanimity of Saraki. The least he could do in reciprocation was to give unalloyed loyalty, which he has since dished out one hundred per cent.
His resignation as sports minister in the countdown to the 2015 elections was the first evident indication that he could take a bullet for Saraki, a gesture understandable within the context of the political situation at the time. He grew further in his exemplary followership of the Saraki leadership by emerging the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and also as the chairman, Nigeria Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
But in days apart, he resigned from the two posi- tions, because the dynamics had again changed and sided with the man, whom God has used at different times to change the course of his life. Although he has just emerged the spokesman of the newly formed Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), a movement that seeks to wrest power from the APC in 2019, there is, however, a feeling across the turf of Kwara now that Abdullahi deserves a far much bigger recognition for such pure loyalty.
Of course, it is common knowledge that Abdullahi desires to be the next governor of Kwara State (if God wills), an ambition that is not settled yet. What many reckon as being certain is that his loyalty is not one that is predicated on sheer aspiration. He genuinely holds the view that his principal deserves all the support, especially that Saraki is said to be that one individual, who always goes all the way to look out for his own.