“I Could Have Been a Good Ally, But Buhari’s Presidency Frustrated Good Things for Nigerians” — Saraki

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of deliberately obstructing efforts that could have improved the lives of Nigerians. Speaking at the 2025 Reunion Gala Celebration of the King’s College Old Boys Association of North America in Houston, Saraki said that during his leadership, the legislature faced constant harassment, bullying, and frustration from the executive arm, which blocked the passage of beneficial laws and initiatives.

Saraki revealed that he could have aligned fully with Buhari’s presidency and cooperated closely but chose not to, implying that doing so would have made him a “good ally.” He described the period as one where both elites and ordinary citizens remained silent and disengaged, which he believes contributed to the weakening of Nigeria’s institutions. He criticized the current leadership and followers alike, urging Nigerians to participate actively in politics to prevent poor governance.

Saraki also referenced his past legal battles with the Buhari administration, recalling how he was charged on multiple counts by the Code of Conduct Bureau in 2015 but was eventually cleared of all accusations by the Code of Conduct Tribunal in 2017. He concluded by calling on Nigerians to speak out against wrong policies, unsuitable candidates, and poorly implemented projects, stressing the need for genuine political engagement to strengthen the country’s future.