PDP Remains Strong Despite Crisis – Saraki

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable political force despite ongoing internal crises within the opposition party.

Naija News reports that Saraki made the assertion on Thursday while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissing claims that the PDP had lost relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

According to the former Kwara State governor, perceptions that the PDP is weakening are largely influenced by disagreements among party leaders rather than realities at the grassroots.

“When you stay here in Abuja, you might say that because of the noise that comes out from the leaders having their disagreement. But when you go out to the states, and you go into the grassroots in different states, you’ll find that PDP is still very, very strong,” he said.

Using Kwara State as an example, Saraki noted that party members and supporters at the grassroots still maintain strong loyalty to the PDP.

“People still have this love and this affiliation for PDP… So yes, there is a lot of noise. But across the country, PDP is still a household name. Is it sellable? It is sellable, very sellable, not only in Kwara, but across the board,” he added.

Saraki also addressed internal party developments, revealing that he initially opposed the PDP convention held in Ibadan.

However, he said he later allowed delegates from Kwara State to participate after receiving assurances that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would monitor the process to guarantee its legitimacy.

He expressed disappointment that the electoral body eventually did not attend the convention, noting that the exercise should have been halted under such circumstances.

Saraki explained that his stance was guided by his commitment to due process and internal democracy within the party.

The former Senate President also dismissed rumours suggesting he might defect to the All Progressives Congress or another political party.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, explaining that his recent low public profile was due to his decision not to contest in upcoming elections rather than any loss of interest in party affairs.

Saraki confirmed that he intends to attend the PDP’s forthcoming national convention and urged members to participate in order to strengthen unity within the party.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he advocated a balanced approach to leadership positions within the PDP.

According to him, the party’s presidential ticket should be zoned to the South, while the position of national chairman should go to the North-Central region to ensure equity.

Despite the party’s internal challenges, Saraki expressed optimism that the PDP could emerge stronger if the crisis is properly managed.

He also warned that Nigeria’s democracy requires a strong opposition, cautioning against the emergence of a one-party state.