Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has assured Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will “bounce back” to provide a formidable opposition by 2027, despite current defections
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has offered a confident outlook on the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring Nigerians that the party is poised to bounce back and provide a formidable opposition in the country’s democratic landscape by 2027.
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Speaking in Ilorin on Wednesday, Saraki, who chairs the PDP reconciliation Committee, acknowledged current defections from the party but highlighted that others are also joining from opposing political factions.
During a visit to Ajikobi ward in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Saraki fielded questions from reporters.
He stated, “Some members of the party (PDP) might still defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). I’m also confident that politicians from other political parties might also join the PDP.”
The former Kwara State governor, shortly after re-registering as a PDP member in Ilorin, expressed optimism that the party would equally regain strength at the state level by 2027.
“The only viable opposition party is PDP and yes, there are challenges and I have taken it upon myself to do my best,” Saraki affirmed.
“I am seeing responses from our colleagues who are also ready to settle our differences.” He pointed to recent progress, including a successful National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and another scheduled for the end of the month, with extensive groundwork planned in between.
Saraki emphasised the advantage of an early start, noting, “Luckily for us, we started early, and we have two more years.
We have time to know those that will stay and rebuild the party. Some might still go, and some might still join us.”
He cited receiving new members to the party at the state level as a positive sign. “Once there is stability at the top, I’m sure we will begin to see a better future for PDP. And I thank Nigerians for being patient with the leaders of the party.”
Reassuring members nationwide, Saraki said, “We are doing our best to rescue the party’s situation. We are confident that we will tackle the situation.
We are committed to it. Because we are all committed to fledging democracy and fledging democracy means a vibrant opposition. We all have to make personal and group sacrifices for the interest of the country.”
Regarding the party’s potential resurgence in Kwara State by 2027, Saraki highlighted growing enthusiasm.
“People are coming out to register for the party. People are tired of the state of affairs in the state.
New members are coming out to join the party.” He added that existing members remain “very active,” and the current state of affairs, including “insecurity, unemployment, hunger and lack of presence of governance,” would contribute to the PDP’s comeback.
“People are coming out to be associated with PDP, they are ready to want people to know that they’re PDP members.
That also tells us at the grassroots that people are still in love with our party,” the ex-Senate President concluded.
“Although we are having our challenges at the national level, we are confident now that once we can sort ourselves out at the top of the leadership, as long as we settle down at the grassroots, everything will fall in place.”
