In an address at the Consultative Conference of PDP Founding Fathers and Stakeholders held on Wednesday at the NAF Conference Hall in Abuja, former Senate President Bukola Saraki condemned recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Saraki stated that the individuals leaving for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are acting out of anger rather than strategic foresight.
The conference, themed “Reclaiming Our Legacy, Renewing Our Collective Vision,” took place amid a wave of high-profile exits from the PDP as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections. Notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark have recently joined the ADC-led opposition coalition, while prominent PDP members, including Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, have defected to the ruling APC.
Saraki emphasized the importance of political decisions grounded in strategy and ideology rather than emotional reactions. “I stand here as someone who has experienced being in this party and not being in this party. Anger does not solve problems in leadership,” he asserted. He urged party members to evaluate their decisions carefully, stating, “We must not leave if we have to leave based on ideology, based on plans, based on a vision for Nigeria, not on anger.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by the APC and ADC, Saraki questioned their track records, asserting that they have not delivered better governance than the PDP. “The other parties, especially the ruling party today, have already spent almost 12 years in government. Is their record any better than PDP’s? Of course not. So what are they offering Nigerians?” he asked.
Despite the recent defections, Saraki expressed confidence in the resilience of the PDP, stating that the party’s state chapters remain united and prepared for guidance from national leadership. “For many who had already buried this party before now, your presence here speaks volumes — that nobody is going to bury this party,” he stated.
Reflecting on the PDP’s past achievements, Saraki reminded attendees of the party’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s development over 16 years, including economic growth and national unity. “We took the country to the largest economy in Africa. Today, it is just the fourth largest. We had double-digit GDP growth; it had never been achieved,” he noted.
While acknowledging past mistakes, Saraki argued that abandoning the party is not the solution. “Yes, mistakes have been made in the past, but the question remains — should we abandon this party?” he asked. He reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, stating, “I will not pass through this party without giving it all my best. I’m a fighter. I will never give up.”
In closing, Saraki appealed to party members to unite in their efforts to strengthen the PDP, urging them to reject the notion of leaving the party. “As we go into the next few days, let us agree that leaving PDP is not an option. That is not an option,” he declared.
As the PDP navigates the challenges ahead, Saraki’s call for strategic unity and commitment to the party’s legacy may prove crucial in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
