By OBSERVERS TIMES
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has voiced strong optimism regarding the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) future, asserting that the party possesses the potential to reclaim its position as a leading force in Nigeria, despite its current internal challenges. His remarks followed a crucial PDP Strategy and Way Forward Committee meeting in Enugu, aimed at addressing the party’s ongoing leadership disputes.
Dr. Saraki attended the high-level meeting alongside prominent party figures including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and Senators Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo. A primary focus of their discussions was the contentious office of the PDP National Secretary, a dispute that has seen legal battles involving Samuel Anyanwu and Peter Ude-Okoye.
The tussle for the National Secretary role intensified when Peter Ude-Okoye was endorsed during Samuel Anyanwu’s absence to contest the Imo State governorship election. Upon Anyanwu’s return, he moved to reclaim the position, leading to a protracted legal conflict. While the Appeal Court initially upheld Ude-Okoye’s appointment, the Supreme Court ultimately overturned that decision, ruling in favor of Anyanwu.
In a statement released on Friday, Saraki emphasized the constructive nature of the Enugu meeting. “We didn’t sidestep the issues. We confronted the fractures in our foundation, asked the hard questions, and began shaping a real, workable plan to move our party forward,” he stated.
He further reiterated his unwavering belief in the PDP’s core values and its capacity for renewal. “I believe in the PDP. I believe in what it has stood for and what it can still become, if we’re willing to do the hard, unglamorous work of rebuilding from the inside out,” Saraki affirmed.
Acknowledging the arduous path ahead, the former Senate President expressed confidence in the party’s collective resolve. “The road ahead won’t be easy.
It will test us and demand more from each of us. But I leave Enugu more convinced than ever: we have the people, the resolve, and the clarity to rise to the occasion and to lead again,” he concluded.
