Nigeria’s Saraki may grow in influence

Significance

Senate President Bukola Saraki, an ethnic Yoruba from north-central Nigeria, is believed to be a key member of the new grouping. Saraki occupies the third most powerful position in Nigerian politics and is viewed as a potential presidential contender.

Impacts

• A medical professional, Saraki has championed reforms to improve governance and regulation in health, environmental and fiscal policy.
• The clearing of corruption charges against Saraki will further bolster claims of a partisan anti-graft campaign by Buhari's government.
• A Muslim from the 'Middle Belt’ Kwara State, Saraki is well placed to bridge north-south divisions.
• Were Saraki to rejoin the opposition PDP, this could complicate Buhari’s re-election prospects in several north-central states.