Bukola Saraki insists Peoples Democratic Party remains strong despite internal crisis
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable political force despite a prolonged internal crisis and a wave of defections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, Saraki rejected claims that the main opposition party had become irrelevant, arguing that such views were shaped by elite disagreements rather than realities at the grassroots.
“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 … you’ll find that PDP is still very, very strong,” he said.
Drawing on his home base of Kwara State, the former governor said feedback from party members and supporters suggested enduring loyalty to the PDP, which he described as a “household name” with continuing electoral value across the country.
Saraki acknowledged internal tensions within the party, including disputes surrounding a recent convention held in Ibadan. He said he had initially opposed the exercise but later permitted delegates from Kwara to participate after assurances that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be present to guarantee legitimacy.
According to him, the electoral body did not attend, and the process ought to have been halted in the interest of due process. His position, he added, was guided by principle rather than factional considerations.
He also dismissed speculation that he was considering defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other platform, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP. Saraki said his relatively low public profile in recent months was due to his decision not to contest forthcoming elections, not a withdrawal from party affairs.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, he called for a more inclusive approach to leadership selection within the party, suggesting that the presidential ticket should be zoned to the south while the national chairmanship be allocated to the north-central region to ensure balance.
Saraki conceded that the PDP’s internal disputes had weakened its position since the 2023 elections but argued that the crisis could ultimately strengthen the party if properly managed. He warned against the risks of a one-party state, saying a viable opposition remained essential to Nigeria’s democratic system.
The PDP has faced sustained internal challenges since its electoral defeat, including leadership disputes following the suspension of former national chairman Iyorchia Ayu. Umar Damagum has since led the party in an interim capacity, amid calls for a substantive chairman from the north-central zone.
Divisions have also emerged between the party’s National Working Committee and Board of Trustees, while the influence of the G5 faction led by Nyesom Wike has continued to generate controversy. Wike’s decision to serve as a minister in an APC-led government while retaining PDP membership has been a particular source of tension.
The party has also been weakened by defections, with several governors and dozens of federal lawmakers switching allegiance to the APC since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
Meanwhile, a federal capital territory high court has issued a bench warrant for Kabiru Tanimu Turaki after he failed to appear for arraignment over allegations of providing false information to the police in 2022. Turaki has challenged the warrant, and the case has been adjourned until April 2026