- PDP will emerge stronger
Former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country that PDP will emerge stronger despite the recent wave of defections in the Delta State chapter of the party.
Reacting to the departure of several top leaders from the PDP in Delta State, Saraki emphasized that the development, though unfortunate, presents a timely opportunity for the party to undergo a strategic rebirth and repositioning ahead of future elections.
“My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party,” Saraki said in a press statement on Wednesday. He stressed the importance of a committed and loyal base over sheer numbers, stating that PDP is better off with dedicated members who share in its vision and values.
The former Senate President underscored the critical role of a viable opposition in sustaining democracy, especially in a diverse society like Nigeria. “A one-party state… will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours,” he said, adding that eliminating alternatives and hope from the political equation is dangerous for the nation’s stability.
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Saraki called on PDP members not to be discouraged by the recent defections, including that of the Delta State Governor and a former vice-presidential candidate, describing such moves as “unbecoming” and “a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity.”
Rather than cast blame on the ruling party, he urged PDP faithful to seize the moment to rebuild and strengthen the party from within, noting that politics is a long game. “It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics,” he said.
He assured party members that the leadership organs of the PDP would soon convene to strategize and respond appropriately to the situation. “There is no cause for alarm,” Saraki reiterated, encouraging youth and women within the party to become more involved in its rebuilding efforts.
With over two years until the next general elections, Saraki expressed optimism that the PDP still has a strong chance to regain lost ground and even attract new governors from other parties.
“The PDP will come out stronger from this development,” he declared, urging all members to remain focused, hopeful, and committed to the party’s future.
