Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has sounded the alarm over the possibility of further defections from the party as it grapples with internal crises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Saraki admitted the PDP is currently navigating a turbulent phase, warning that more high-profile exits, including those of governors and senators, may still be on the horizon.
“PDP would likely see one or two more defections, and we should prepare ourselves for that. We haven’t seen the worst,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Saraki emphasized that the party still has time on its side, with nearly two years before the next national elections. He sees the current crisis as an opportunity for restructuring and early healing.
“We are lucky this is happening now, not in late 2026. That would have left us no time to recover. With commitment, it is not a lost cause.”
Saraki acknowledged that the PDP is at a low point, but pointed to the party’s resilient grassroots structure as a sign of hope. He stressed that the disconnect between Abuja-level politics and local chapters may be the PDP’s saving grace.
“Across many states and local governments, the PDP is still very strong. Many of the grassroots supporters are not even affected by what’s happening at the national level.”
Calling for sweeping reforms, Saraki advocated for a transformational national convention, one that would usher in younger, forward-thinking leaders ready to rebuild the party’s future.
“This is not just about patching things up. It’s about laying a strong foundation for tomorrow. The next convention must not be business as usual.”
Saraki ended with a sobering warning about the future of Nigeria’s democracy if the PDP fails to rebound:
“If PDP collapses, Nigeria moves dangerously close to a one-party state — and that would be a disaster for democracy.”
His comments come amid ongoing realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape, with both ruling and opposition parties preparing for the high-stakes 2027 elections.
