From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, has dismissed claims linking the revocation of the appointment of its former Executive Director, Dr. Audu Idowu, to his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his failure to secure the party’s House of Representatives ticket for the Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero/Ekiti Federal Constituency.
The foundation maintained that Idowu was a salaried employee and had no ownership or financial stake in its operations, insisting that its programmes and activities were funded exclusively by its founder, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
In a statement issued in Ilorin, the foundation said the circumstances surrounding Idowu’s departure should be treated strictly as an employment matter rather than linked to his political choices.
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“For the avoidance of doubt, the Foundation wishes to state unequivocally that its establishment, funding, programmes, and financial sponsorship are solely the responsibility of its founder, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki,” the statement said.
The statement, signed electronically by the Regional Director, North Central, Mr. Lawal Temitayo, stressed that Idowu neither funded nor sponsored the foundation during his tenure.
Established in 2019, the foundation said it was created to promote Nigeria’s development through the effective use of available resources to create opportunities and improve the welfare of citizens, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
It described itself as a philanthropic, non-partisan and apolitical organisation whose interventions focus on potable water, education, healthcare, rural electrification, livelihood support and humanitarian assistance.
The foundation further explained that its programmes were deliberately separated from partisan political activities, including political mobilisation, party administration and electoral campaigns.
To reinforce this separation, it disclosed that politically exposed persons and political aides associated with its founder had been removed from its operational structure and replaced with neutral, non-partisan personnel and professionals.
Among those listed were Alhaji Nasir Subair, Hon. Oye Adetula, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Ibrahim Otukoko and Kawu Ndanusa.
The foundation said the changes were intended to ensure a clear institutional distinction between its philanthropic activities and partisan politics.
It consequently rejected suggestions that its resources, programmes or humanitarian interventions had been personally financed by any current or former staff member.
According to the statement, Saraki’s commitment to philanthropy predates and remains independent of the political activities and ambitions of individuals working with the foundation.
While acknowledging Idowu’s right to make personal political decisions, including his resignation from the PDP, the organisation urged the public not to confuse such decisions with its ownership, funding or administration.
“The Foundation respects Dr. Audu Musa Idowu’s right to make personal political decisions, including his decision to resign from the PDP. However, such political decisions should not be conflated with the ownership, funding, and administration of the Foundation,” it added.
The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, philanthropy and service to humanity, pledging to continue its humanitarian interventions without being influenced by the political ambitions of individuals.
