Saraki: PDP’s 2027 Viability Amidst Presidential Hurdles

PDP’s Enduring Strength Amidst 2027 Election Uncertainties, Says Saraki

Despite facing significant internal strife and legal challenges, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a potent political force with substantial grassroots support, capable of mounting a strong challenge in the 2027 general elections. This assertion comes from Dr. Bukola Saraki, former President of the Senate, who believes that current uncertainties surrounding the party’s leadership and presidential contest are temporary setbacks.

Saraki, in a special interview, highlighted that the PDP’s apparent inactivity is largely a consequence of ongoing litigation. He acknowledged that these internal crises might have impacted the party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential race, but emphasized that ample time remains for recovery and strategic repositioning.

Prior to the escalation of the current leadership dispute, the PDP had witnessed considerable interest from potential presidential aspirants. Campaign groups, organizational structures, and grassroots mobilization efforts were already underway, with several prominent figures being discussed as potential candidates. Names that frequently surfaced included Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and even the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside former President Goodluck Jonathan. However, this momentum reportedly waned as internal leadership conflicts and legal battles took center stage.

Saraki explained that while the party has experienced a setback at the presidential level due to these crises, the political landscape is dynamic, and much can change. He elaborated on the impact of the litigation, stating, “The reason PDP appears inactive is the uncertainty caused by litigation. Six months ago, before the crisis escalated, there was significant interest from potential candidates. Serious presidential aspirants want certainty about the platform. Once we resolve this crisis, confidence will return, and interest will increase again.”

He further noted that at the state level, many aspirants are already expressing a preference for the PDP platform, contingent on a credible convention recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Saraki stressed the urgency of the situation, remarking, “But time is not on our side. We must act quickly.”

Reconciliation Efforts and Grassroots Appeal

Dr. Saraki expressed optimism regarding the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the PDP, believing they can rebuild confidence among its members and stakeholders. He is convinced that the party will successfully navigate its internal challenges and field candidates for the 2027 elections.

“I am happy to hear about the fresh reconciliation efforts. It’s never too late,” Saraki stated. He recalled his past role heading a reconciliation committee, emphasizing the consistent drive to unite the party and prioritize the interests of its members over personal ambitions.

“At this party, no matter all the noise you hear, certainly at the top, we need to put the interest of our members ahead of our own personal interest,” he asserted. Saraki underscored the PDP’s enduring strength at the grassroots, asserting, “If you go to the grassroots across the 36 states, PDP is still strong and acceptable. For a lot of people, it’s even more like a religion when you talk about PDP.” He drew parallels with his home state, affirming the party’s robust presence nationwide.

He acknowledged that divergences and competing interests are natural within a large political party but stressed the importance of galvanizing these interests for the greater good of the party. “The number one priority for everybody is that PDP must be on the ballot for the 2027 elections. Everything else is secondary.”

Addressing the Root Causes and Moving Forward

Saraki conceded that mistakes have been made, positioning his current role as one focused on offering solutions rather than assigning blame. He expressed satisfaction that other factions are beginning to recognize the necessity of reconciliation.

“Now, what is reconciliation? It must be one that ensures that, irrespective of the outcome, PDP is on the ballot for all our members across the country who want to contest elections,” he explained. Saraki warned against the historical repercussions of prolonged litigation, stating, “History will not be kind to us if, by continuing litigation, we deprive our members of that opportunity.”

He highlighted a significant reduction in the number of dissenting voices, noting a decrease from approximately twelve individuals to just two or three. Saraki appealed to those remaining to set aside ego and pride, emphasizing statesmanship as the act of making sacrifices for the greater interest of the people.

“Let us not just talk about reconciliation; let us actualize it. PDP should agree not to go into further litigation and to accommodate each other,” he urged. Saraki believes this process can coexist with ensuring the legitimacy of conventions and primaries, deeming the renewed reconciliation efforts a positive development.

Clarifying his involvement, Saraki stated that he is not an official member of any reconciliation committee but has been approached by party leaders due to his past responsibilities. He has been actively facilitating meetings since his return from Saudi Arabia, aiming to bridge divides and prevent the party from being embroiled in unnecessary crises. He reiterated that political issues should be resolved politically, as litigation is detrimental to members’ electoral prospects.

Saraki attributed recent defections to concerns about the PDP’s viability as an electoral platform, rather than a decline in its popularity. He emphasized that aspirants seek assurance that their names will appear on the ballot. “That reassurance must come from us as party leaders, and the only way to achieve that is through reconciliation and ending litigation. Once we do that, confidence will return, and people will see PDP as a strong platform again.”

Navigating the Factional Divide

The PDP has been experiencing a significant internal crisis for nearly three years, leading to a division into two rival factions. One faction, supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, proceeded with a convention on November 16, electing Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and other officials to the National Working Committee. In response, a faction aligned with Nyesom Wike established a 13-member National Caretaker Working Committee in December, appointing Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, tasked with overseeing the party for 60 days pending a substantive convention.

Amidst these divisions, Wike has publicly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, despite Tinubu belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress. In a media interview on December 23, Makinde alleged that Wike, during a meeting with the President, had pledged to control the PDP and prevent it from fielding a presidential candidate in 2027. Wike has vehemently denied these accusations.

The leadership dispute reached the Court of Appeal, which on March 9 delivered a verdict on consolidated suits. A panel led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma affirmed a previous Federal High Court ruling, concluding that the processes leading to the Ibadan convention violated electoral laws, the Nigerian Constitution, and the PDP Constitution. Consequently, the convention and the election of Turaki and other NWC members were nullified. In a separate ruling, another Court of Appeal panel, led by Justice Biobele Georgewill, encouraged all parties to seek an amicable resolution.

While both factions initially indicated a willingness to reconcile after the March 9 judgment, subsequent positions taken by the governors and lingering disagreements over the convention suggested a stalling of the peace process. However, recent disclosures confirm that both sides have commenced renewed reconciliation efforts.