Bukola Saraki – Former President of the Nigerian Senate
| Stage Name: | Bukola Saraki |
| Real Name: | Olúbùkola “Bukola” Abubàkar Saraki |
| Occupation: | Politician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 19th December 1962 (63 years) |
| State of Origin: | Kwara State, Nigeria |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Education: | University of London |
| Known for: | Politics |
Early Life
Olúbùkola “Bukola” Abubàkar Saraki was born on December 19, 1962, in London. His parents are Florence Morenike Saraki (mother) and Olúsola Saraki (father), who was a famous Nigerian senator and political leader from Kwara State.
Even though he was born in England, Bukola comes from a big political family in Kwara State. His father Olúsola Saraki was one of the most powerful politicians in Kwara, so Bukola grew up in a home where politics and service to people were very important.
He spent his early childhood between London and Nigeria. He began his schooling in Lagos before moving on to higher schools abroad.
Educational Background
Bukola Saraki went to King’s College, Lagos, and graduated in 1978. Then he moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended Cheltenham College from 1979 to 1981. After finishing high school, he studied medicine at London Hospital Medical College, University of London, from 1982 to 1987, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
That means he was a qualified medical doctor before entering politics.
Career
Early Career
After finishing school, Bukola Saraki worked as a medical officer at Rush Green Hospital in Essex, UK, from 1988 to 1989. Soon after, he returned to Nigeria and joined the Société Générale Bank Nigeria (SGBN) as a director from 1990 to 2000.
In 2000, the then-President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Special Assistant on Budget, a role in the federal government.
Governor of Kwara State
In 2003, Bukola Saraki ran to become the Governor of Kwara State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He beat the sitting governor, Mohammed Lawal of ANPP in the April 19 election. He served two terms as governor, first in 2003–2007, then re-elected in 2007 and served until 2011.
While governor, he started many projects in agriculture, health, education, power, and environment policy. He invited experienced farmers from Zimbabwe to set up Shonga Farms in Kwara, boosting food production. Kwara also improved electricity supply, built new power stations, and connected thousands of rural communities to the national grid. Under his leadership, about 90% of people in Kwara had access to electricity, much higher than the national 30% average.
He also acted as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, working with other state governors on national issues.
Senator and Senate President
In 2011, after leaving the governor’s office, Saraki ran for the Senate seat for Kwara Central and won. In 2015, he was elected President of the Nigerian Senate, a high leadership role in the national legislature, serving until 2019.
Party Changes and Presidential Campaigns
Bukola Saraki began his political life in the PDP, but in 2014–2015 he joined a new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). On July 31, 2018, he moved back to the PDP, citing intolerance for different voices in the APC.
He tried to run for president in 2019 on the PDP ticket but lost the primaries to Atiku Abubakar. He served as Atiku’s campaign director-general but Buhari won the general election. Later, he ran again to be PDP’s candidate for 2023, but Atiku Yusuf again defeated him in May 2022.
Personal Life
Bukola Saraki is married to Toyin Saraki (née Ojora), a lawyer and philanthropist. They were married in December 1991. They have four children: their oldest daughter Oluwatosin, their son Oluwaseni, and twin daughters Teniayo and Teniola.
Their son Oluwaseni is known for running Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club and studied at the London School of Economics.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Bukola Saraki faced several controversies and legal battles. Below are the main issues explained in simple terms:
Asset Declaration Allegations
Saraki was accused of not declaring offshore assets, including companies named in the Paradise Papers. Critics said he hid wealth through offshore firms. He denied wrongdoing and claimed his declarations were correct. The courts ruled in his favor multiple times, calling the charges political witch‑hunts and stating his asset declarations were accurate.
Paris Club Loan Allegations
The EFCC claimed some of his aides helped launder ₦3.5 billion from the Paris Club loan refund. Saraki denied these accusations, and the case involved legal review.
Shehu Sani Biography: Age, Wife, Children & Networth
Offa Robbery Plot
After a bank robbery in Offa, Kwara in 2018 where over 30 people died, he was initially questioned by police, but later cleared. He said the attempt to link him to the crime was politically motivated. Also, in 2021, some alleged forced statements claimed SARS officers tried to accuse him; Saraki was again cleared.
State Asset Sales
A judicial commission in Kwara (set up in May 2021) accused him and another former governor of selling government assets cheaply to friends and mismanaging Shonga Farms. Saraki denied the charges, saying he was not invited to answer the commission and called it biased.
Other Claims
Some reports said the EFCC alleged he used state funds to buy a property in Ikoyi, and sold land in Ilorin without following due process. Again, Saraki denied wrongdoing and legal outcomes vary.
Social Media Presence
Bukola Saraki is active on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He uses these platforms to share his views on politics, health, youth, and development. As of 2022, He often posts about his campaigns, public service messages, and events he attends. His social media helps him connect with young Nigerians and supporters who want to follow his messages in real time.
Net Worth
Estimates of Bukola Saraki’s net worth vary widely:
- One source estimated his net worth at US$250 million in 2025, based on his investments in banking, real estate, agriculture, and oil & gas.
- Some media said in 2019 he was worth about US$200 million.
- Others listed his net worth at US$800 million, mentioning mansions in Lekki, Lagos and London, plus luxury cars and business holdings in companies like African Petroleum, Oando, Airline Catering and more.
- Another source gave a lower figure of US$100 million as of 2025.
Because these estimates differ by source and methods, it is hard to say exactly how much he is worth. But all agree he is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest public figures, thanks to a mix of politics and business investments in multiple industries.
