By Isiaka Bola Mogaji
The characterization of Dr. Bukola Saraki as an “Opposition General without troops” as crafted by the paid author, and senior special assistant on communication to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mr. Abdullateef ….is not only misleading but a grave misreading of the dynamics of leadership, influence, and political relevance.
True leadership is not always measured by the visible parade of foot soldiers but by the enduring capacity to inspire thought, influence decision-making, and command respect across divides. Dr. Saraki has consistently demonstrated the ability to set national agendas, champion progressive ideas, and hold governments accountable, even when it was politically inconvenient to do so.
During his tenure as Senate President, despite the ferocious opposition he faced, Saraki led one of the most independent and effective legislatures in Nigeria’s history. His strength was not rooted in the number of followers that could be mustered for a rally, but in the courage to defend democracy, insist on the rule of law, and protect the integrity of national institutions. During his days as the president of the 8th Senate, Dr. Saraki saved Nigerians from unnecessary foreign loans running into billions of dollars that would have put the country into mess.
Even today, his voice remains potent. His interventions command national attention, and his vision continues to guide young Nigerians who believe in a politics of ideas rather than of noise. Troops may scatter, but a general who commands ideas and principles never loses relevance.
Rather than belittling Saraki’s role in the opposition, it would be wiser to recognize that Nigeria’s political evolution demands more such leaders — who rely not on hired crowds but on the force of vision, integrity, and strategic thinking.
Dr. Bukola Saraki remains a rallying point for purposeful opposition, and his influence will continue to shape the national conversation far beyond simplistic metrics of visible followership.
Bola Mogaji is a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, writes from Ilorin
