Dr. Bukola Saraki, PDP Reconciliation Committee Chairman, warned on Friday that more defections, including governors and senators, may hit the party, but its early timing offers a chance to rebuild before 2027 elections.
Speaking on Arise TV, Saraki, a former Senate President, acknowledged the looming threat of additional defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He predicted that one or two governors and several senators might leave, describing it as potentially the “worst” of the party’s ongoing challenges. The statement comes as the PDP works to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Saraki highlighted the timing of the crisis as an advantage, noting that occurring nearly two years before the elections provides the party with sufficient time to recover and regroup. He emphasized that the PDP, with over 26 years of history as Nigeria’s largest party, has faced low periods before and can overcome the current turbulence with commitment and strategic planning.
Despite challenges at the national level, Saraki stressed that the PDP remains robust at the grassroots and state levels. He noted that many local chapters are unaffected by the national leadership’s issues, with grassroots support providing encouragement. The party is already laying groundwork for 2027, focusing on rebuilding from the ground up.
Saraki warned that the stakes extend beyond party survival, urging a forward-looking approach for the next convention by integrating younger leaders. He cautioned that failure to strengthen the PDP could push Nigeria toward a one-party state, posing a significant threat to the country’s democracy.
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