 Reconciliation Committee and former Senate President, has raised fresh){kind=link}
Dr. Bukola Saraki, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee and former Senate President, has raised fresh concerns about the party’s internal stability, warning that more defections may be imminent as the 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Saraki admitted that the PDP is going through a difficult phase and must brace for further high-profile departures. According to him, the political turbulence within the party is far from over.
> “We may likely see one or two more defections,” he said. “There is a strong possibility that a few more governors and senators could leave the party. The worst may not be behind us yet.”
However, Saraki expressed optimism that the timing of the crisis provides the PDP with a strategic advantage. With nearly two years left before the next general elections, he believes the party still has enough time to regroup and rebuild.
> “For some of us, the fact that this is happening now, rather than in late 2026, is a blessing in disguise,” he stated. “If it had occurred closer to the elections, we wouldn’t have had the time to recover. Fortunately, we do have time on our side. With genuine commitment and understanding, this is far from a lost cause.”
Despite acknowledging the party’s current low moment, Saraki highlighted the PDP’s resilience and its deep-rooted presence in Nigerian politics. He reminded Nigerians of the party’s long history and wide national spread.
> “This is a party that has been around for more than 26 years. It is the largest political party in Nigeria, and it is only natural that we experience challenging periods. These are part of our journey,” he said.
Saraki emphasized that, while the national leadership may appear shaken, the PDP remains solidly entrenched at the grassroots level. He insisted that the foundation of the party remains intact across many states and local governments.
> “When you travel across the country and visit the state and local government chapters, you’ll see that the PDP is still very strong at the grassroots. In fact, in many places, people are barely aware of the leadership issues happening in Abuja,” he noted. “That local-level strength gives us great encouragement. What we need now is to refocus and rebuild from the ground up.”
Looking ahead, Saraki stressed the urgent need for internal reforms and generational change within the PDP. He called for a convention that would move beyond the status quo and introduce younger, visionary leaders capable of shaping the party’s future.
> “It’s not enough to solve today’s problems. We must begin to lay a strong foundation for the future,” he urged. “The next party convention must not be business as usual. We need fresh, young faces—leaders who embody the future direction of the PDP.”
He concluded with a cautionary note on the broader implications of the PDP’s fate for Nigeria’s democracy. According to Saraki, the continued weakening of the PDP could threaten the country’s democratic balance.
> “If the PDP fails, Nigeria moves dangerously close to becoming a one-party state. That would be a tragedy for our democracy,” he warned.
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