Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has affirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable political force, dismissing claims that the party has lost relevance.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Saraki said perceptions of the PDP’s decline are largely driven by elite disagreements in Abuja rather than the reality at the grassroots level.

“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 stated.

Using Kwara State as an example, Saraki highlighted continued loyalty among party members and noted that the PDP remains a household name across Nigeria.

On internal matters, he explained that he opposed the PDP convention in Ibadan due to concerns over the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but allowed Kwara delegates to participate after assurances of legitimacy. He also denied rumours of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his low profile to a decision not to contest upcoming elections.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Saraki advocated for an inclusive leadership approach, suggesting that the PDP presidential ticket be zoned to the South and the national chairman position allocated to the North-Central zone. He emphasised that a strong opposition is vital to Nigeria’s democracy.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has faced leadership disputes, defections, and internal disagreements, including:

·       Suspension of Iyorchia Ayu, with Umar Damagum serving as acting chairman.

·       Conflicts between the National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT).

·       Tensions with the “G-5” group, whose leader holds a ministerial role in the APC government.

·       Defections of governors and lawmakers, including Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), as well as over 66 federal lawmakers since the 10th National Assembly.

Currently, the PDP holds 2 governorships, the APC controls 31, while the Labour Party, Accord Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance each hold 1 governorship.

Meanwhile, the FCT High Court issued a bench warrant for PDP factional chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki after he failed to appear for arraignment on a 2022 charge of providing false information to the police. Turaki has appealed the warrant, and the case is adjourned to April 22, 2026, for formal arraignment.