Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still a strong and viable political force despite its lingering internal challenges.
Saraki made the assertion on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he dismissed suggestions that the opposition party had become irrelevant in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Responding to claims that the PDP is “dead and buried,” Saraki argued that such views are largely shaped by disagreements among political elites rather than the actual situation at the grassroots level.
“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, and you go into the grassroots in different states, you’ll find that PDP is still very, very strong,” he said.
Citing Kwara State as an example, the former governor noted that interactions with party stakeholders and grassroots supporters indicated continued loyalty and strong affiliation with the PDP across various regions.
“People still have this love and this affiliation for PDP. So yes, there is a lot of noise.
”But across the country, PDP is still a household name. Is it sellable? It is sellable, very sellable, not only in Kwara, but across the board,” he added.
On internal party affairs, Saraki disclosed that although he initially opposed the PDP convention held in Ibadan, he later permitted delegates from Kwara State to participate after receiving assurances that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would attend to ensure legitimacy.
He however, noted that the commission failed to show up, insisting that the exercise should have been halted under such circumstances.
He said his stance was driven by a commitment to due process and internal democracy within the party.
Saraki also dismissed speculation about a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political platform, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.
He explained that his recent low profile was due to his decision not to contest upcoming elections, rather than disengagement from party activities.
He further confirmed plans to attend the party’s forthcoming national convention and urged members to do the same in order to strengthen unity and cohesion within the party.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Saraki advocated for a balanced approach to leadership selection.
He suggested that the PDP’s presidential ticket should be zoned to the South, while the position of national chairman should go to the North-Central region to ensure fairness and inclusiveness.
While acknowledging that the party’s internal crises have affected its progress, Saraki expressed optimism that the challenges could ultimately strengthen the PDP if properly managed.
He also cautioned against the emergence of a one-party state, stressing that a vibrant opposition is essential for Nigeria’s democracy.
Since the 2023 general elections, the PDP has been grappling with internal divisions, leadership disputes, and the defection of key members.
The party’s leadership structure has remained contentious following the suspension of former national chairman Iyorchia Ayu, with Umar Damagum currently serving in an acting capacity.
Calls have intensified for a substantive chairman to emerge from the North-Central zone.
There have also been disagreements between the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT), further complicating decision-making within the party.
The influential “G-5” group, led by Nyesom Wike, continues to challenge the party’s leadership.
Wike’s decision to serve as a minister in an APC-led administration while remaining in the PDP has heightened tensions within the party.
In addition, the PDP has witnessed a wave of defections to the APC, including governors and federal lawmakers.
Governors such as Douye Diri, Peter Mbah, and Umo Eno are among those who have reportedly left the party.
More than 60 federal lawmakers including senators and members of the House of Representatives, have also defected since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, contributing to the PDP’s declining influence in several states.
As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, the PDP currently controls only two governorships, compared to the APC’s 31, while smaller parties such as the Labour Party, Accord Party, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance hold one each.
Meanwhile, a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory recently issued a bench warrant for Kabiru Tanimu Turaki after he failed to appear in court over allegations of providing false information to the police in 2022.
Turaki has appealed the warrant, describing it as unjust, with the case adjourned to April 22, 2026, for further proceedings.
