Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has cautioned that the wave of defections plaguing the party may not be over, with more likely departures expected as internal efforts to reposition the party continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV on Friday, Saraki said the PDP should brace for additional exits, including possibly from key stakeholders.
“We haven’t seen the worst yet. One or two governors and a number of senators might still leave,” he stated.
“This is something we must prepare for.”
Despite the current challenges, Saraki maintained that the early timing of the crisis presents a unique opportunity for the party to reset and rebuild well before the 2027 polls.
“It’s fortunate this is happening now and not in late 2026,” he noted.
“We still have time within two years to recover and reorganize. With dedication and unity, the PDP can bounce back. This isn’t a lost cause.”
Saraki emphasized the resilience of the party, highlighting its long-standing presence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“For a party that’s been around for over 26 years, low points like this are inevitable,” he said.
While acknowledging turbulence at the national level, he insisted that the PDP remains robust at the grassroots.
“Across state and local government chapters, the PDP remains vibrant. In many parts of the country, the internal party issues in Abuja are barely felt,” Saraki explained.
He said these grassroots sentiments offer hope and renewed energy for rebuilding from the bottom up.
Looking ahead, Saraki said the party is already laying foundations for the 2027 elections, but stressed the importance of internal reforms and generational renewal.
“We need to move beyond today’s challenges and start building for the future. The next convention must not be business as usual we need fresh, youthful voices that reflect the future of our party,” he said.
He also issued a stern warning about the broader implications of a weakened PDP for Nigeria’s democracy.
“If the PDP fails, Nigeria edges dangerously close to becoming a one-party state and that would be a tragedy for democratic governance,” Saraki concluded.
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