2023 Election: Cook-Olododo, His Erstwhile Political Leader Saraki Reunite At Baraje’s Turbaning

Turbaning ceremony of the new Tafida of Ilorin and the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kawu Baraje, at the palace of Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on Friday reunited estranged political associates in the state.

The event specifically brought former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his erstwhile political-ally-turned-antagonist, Hon. Abdulganiyu Cook-Olododo, who is representing Ilorin South/Ilorin East federal constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duo exchanged pleasantries to the surprise of political supporters at the venue of the event.

On his arrival at the occasion, Hon Cook-Olododo immediately climbed the podium to greet the former Senate President, who was already on his seat among other dignitaries.

The lawmaker also went to greet the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and embraced each other standing while they took snap shots together smiling.

The member of the House of Representatives, who had been one of the staunch followers of late Olusola Saraki and the former Senate President’s foot soldiers severed political relationship with before the 2019 general elections.

This latest development gave credence to speculation in some quarters as it was said that some aggrieved members of the ruling APC in the state were planning to pitch tent with the PDP in the next general elections.

Cook-Olododo and a faction of the APC in the state have had irreconcilable differences with the faction being controlled by the state governor.

The turbaning ceremony, which was graced by dignitaries in and outside the state, saw political bigwigs such as the BOT chairman of the PDP, Senator Walid Jubrin, PDP national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, represented by the national legal adviser of the PDP, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Senators Rafiu Ibrahim, Dino Melaye, former member House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Kannike, former Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, former minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, deputy governor of Sokoto state, Hon. Manir Dan’ija, Sokoto state PDP chairman, Hon. Bello Aliyu, and Sokoto Finance commissioner, Alhaji Abdussamad Dasuki, among others in attendance.

Also in attendance were traditional rulers from Kwara and Ogun states, including Olota of Otta, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege.