ABUJA: Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has warned that it would be a shameful outcome if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) fails to appear on the ballot in the 2027 general elections as a result of its internal challenges.
Saraki made the remark on Sunday while speaking to Channels Television during the party’s 2026 National Convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The former Senate President, who has been involved in reconciliation efforts within the party, said the ongoing moves to stabilize the PDP were primarily aimed at ensuring that party members have a viable platform to contest the 2027 elections.
According to him, internal disputes should not be allowed to jeopardize the party’s ability to participate in the next general polls.
Let us be able to allow people that want to contest for 2027 on PDP platform. It would be a shame if, by an own goal, one way or the other, we’re not on that ballot,” Saraki said.
Saraki described the process leading up to the convention as challenging, noting that those working to reconcile aggrieved factions within the party had faced criticism and personal attacks along the way.
Despite the difficulties, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the convention, especially after observing the turnout of party members and officials.
He also highlighted the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it reinforced confidence in the legitimacy of the convention proceedings.
It’s been a long journey to get to here… in the process, one had to take a lot of attacks here and there, he said.
Reflecting on the event, Saraki added that seeing the large attendance and the presence of electoral officials reassured him that the party was moving in the right direction.
When I walked in here, saw the attendance, saw INEC here, I said… Alhamdulillah. Because that’s the issue. Everything else… doesn’t matter, he stated.
Saraki noted that many party members were enthusiastic about the convention because it signaled that the PDP remained a viable political platform for aspiring candidates.
According to him, the possibility of contesting elections under the PDP banner was motivating members and helping to restore confidence in the party’s future.
They’re excited that now they can follow their ambition, because now they have a platform and PDP can provide that platform, he added.
Addressing the absence of some key party figures at the convention, Saraki said reconciliation efforts would continue even after the event, expressing optimism that aggrieved members would eventually return to the party.
He stressed that the doors of the PDP remain open to all members willing to work toward rebuilding the party ahead of the next election cycle. For those who are not here, I hope that the doors are not closed… I will continue to talk to them and engage with them, he said.
Saraki also called on party leaders to set aside personal disagreements in the interest of members who are seeking elective offices through the PDP platform.
According to him, the aspirations of younger party members should take precedence over internal disputes among senior leaders. The issues about we, the leaders, we should put it behind… what is more important now is the young man… the young lady… who wants the PDP platform, he stated.
The PDP has been dealing with persistent internal tensions since the 2023 general elections, including leadership disputes, factional disagreements and a series of defections involving prominent members.
These developments have raised concerns among political observers about the party’s readiness to present a strong challenge in the 2027 elections.
However, party leaders have continued to express optimism that ongoing reconciliation efforts and organisational reforms will strengthen the PDP and reposition it as a formidable opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
