Saraki Warns: PDP Must Resolve Crisis or Risk Losing 2027 Elections and Nigeria’s Democratic Balance
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once hailed as Africa’s largest political party, is facing a major internal crisis that could jeopardize its future as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform. In a candid interview with Journalists, former Senate President and ex-Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, opened up about the party’s ongoing troubles and the urgent need for reconciliation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Saraki, who now chairs the PDP’s Reconciliation Committee, acknowledged the gravity of the party’s situation. He pointed to mounting internal divisions, high-profile defections, and leadership disputes as signs of deeper challenges, although he noted that even the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing its own internal upheaval.
One major flashpoint is the indefinite postponement of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for June 30, 2025. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum delayed the meeting, citing procedural issues—specifically, the failure to provide the required 21-day notice to INEC. However, some party leaders insisted the meeting should still hold, arguing it was simply a continuation of a previously postponed session.
CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE BELOW AFTER THESE IMPORTANT NOTICES
Log in to primsol.lawpavilion.com and store.lawpavilion.com to enjoy the best E-journals, textbooks, and many more. For further enquiries/assistance, send an email to customercare@lawpavilion.com or call 08050298729
Saraki clarified the issue: the NEC notification letter was invalid because it was signed solely by Damagum, without the required co-signature from the party’s recognized secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. To avoid further conflict and stay compliant with INEC regulations, Saraki proposed an alternative—an expanded stakeholders’ meeting on the same date to address urgent matters without violating rules.
Amid the leadership wrangling, Saraki warned of more defections on the horizon, possibly involving serving governors and senators. He referenced the recent reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike—brokered by President Bola Tinubu—as an example of how shifting political alliances are shaking up the PDP’s structure.
Still, Saraki expressed confidence in the party’s grassroots strength. “Many of our local chapters remain loyal. What’s happening in Abuja doesn’t always reflect the realities on the ground,” he said, downplaying the impact of elite-level defections.
A persistent stumbling block remains the dispute over the national secretary position. While INEC recognizes Senator Anyanwu as the legitimate secretary, opposition from some Southeast stakeholders continues. Saraki emphasized the need to respect INEC’s position, warning that legal noncompliance could threaten the party’s ability to field candidates in 2027.
Looking ahead, Saraki sees the planned national convention as a critical moment for rebirth. He called for genuine inclusion of young people and women in party leadership and urged a move away from tokenism. “This convention must be about real reform and dynamic leadership,” he said.
He also cautioned that if the PDP fails to reposition itself, Nigeria could drift toward a one-party state, weakening its democratic institutions. “A strong opposition is essential for democracy,” Saraki warned, urging party members, civil society, and the media to support the party’s rebuilding process.
As he works to resolve the leadership deadlock, convene a legitimate NEC meeting, and pave the way for a new party executive, Saraki appealed for unity and sacrifice. “The stakes are high—not just for PDP, but for Nigeria’s democracy,” he concluded.
The party’s ability to overcome its internal divisions may very well determine whether it can mount a credible challenge to the APC in 2027—or fade into political irrelevance.
FOR SUPPORT TO BARRISTERNG BLOG, DONATE TO: 1. NAIRA ACCOUNT: 1023046978 - UBA 2. USD ACCOUNT: 5090743566 - FIDELITY BANK PLC
Call Bridget Edokwe Esq on 08060798767 or send your articles to barristerngblog@gmail.com
A Must-Have for Every Lawyer: Order Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye’s Latest Books on Electronic Evidence Today: To order your copies, click the link below and order directly from the author:
https://velvety-cendol-7387ed.netlify.app/
SHOP NOW
The Price is 10k for Hard Copy less freight and 5k for E- Book copy in the Store of the Website. https://buokorie.com/store/ To access the hard copy, Call - 07087622283
