Former Senate President and Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed optimism that the party will overcome its current challenges and return stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at his constituency office in the Ajikobi area of Ilorin, Kwara State, Saraki reaffirmed his commitment to rescuing the PDP and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through a viable and vibrant opposition.
“I want to use this opportunity to reassure our members across the country that we are doing our best to rescue the situation of the party,” Saraki said.
“We are confident that we will tackle the situation. We are committed to it. Because we are all committed to a fledgling democracy — and that means a vibrant opposition. We all have to make personal and group sacrifices for the interest of the country.”
Saraki made these remarks while addressing enthusiastic PDP members who turned out for the party’s ongoing re-registration exercise. He noted that the strong turnout reflects renewed interest in the party, especially given the current economic hardships affecting Nigerians.
“We are even more encouraged by the level of enthusiasm we are seeing. People are tired of the state of affairs. New members are coming in, and our old members are very active. The response is very impressive.”
He attributed the increased participation in the registration drive to worsening socio-economic conditions in the country, including insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and the perceived absence of effective governance.
“What people are going through — the insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and lack of presence of governance — are all factors driving people to register with the PDP,” he said.
“We are confident that the PDP will bounce back in 2027.”
The former Kwara State Governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum also emphasized the need to resolve the party’s internal leadership issues to unlock its full grassroots potential.
“Of course, we are having our challenges at the national level. But people are coming out to openly associate with the PDP. That tells us at the grassroots that people still believe in the party. Once we can sort ourselves out at the top, everything will fall into place.”
Saraki noted ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party and highlighted encouraging signs of unity among stakeholders.
“The only viable opposition party is PDP. Yes, there are challenges, but I’ve taken it upon myself to do my best. I’m seeing responses from our colleagues who are also ready to settle our differences.”
He confirmed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is scheduled for the end of June, and groundwork is already in progress to ensure its success.
“We’ve scheduled a NEC meeting for the end of this month. Between now and then, there will be legwork among the various factions to make it successful. Luckily for us, we started early. We still have two years ahead. Some members may leave, and new ones may join — like we saw today at the state level.”
Saraki concluded by appreciating Nigerians for their continued patience and belief in the PDP’s mission.
“I thank Nigerians for being patient with the leaders of the party. We are committed to rebuilding and offering the country a stronger, more responsible alternative in 2027.”
