PDP Defections: The Worst Is Yet to Come — Let Them Leave, We’re Rebuilding for 2027, Says Saraki

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has issued a candid warning that the worst of defections from the party is yet to come. Speaking during an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Friday, Saraki acknowledged the internal turbulence rocking the opposition but assured that the party is focused on rebuilding for the 2027 general elections.

“PDP would likely see one or two more defections. We should prepare ourselves for that. Maybe Fubara, maybe others… The worst is not yet. We haven’t seen the worst of the defections for PDP,” Saraki stated bluntly.

Despite the looming departures, Saraki emphasized that the PDP remains resilient, particularly at the grassroots. “The party is still very strong at the grassroots. Some of the grassroots members say, ‘I’ve been PDP all my life.’ There’s a deference to our leaders, but the party’s strength comes from the bottom up,” he affirmed.

Let Them Leave” — A Call to Rebuild, Not Retreat

Reacting to the wave of defections, Saraki took a firm stance, declaring that those who wish to leave should do so. According to him, the current challenges may serve as an opportunity to filter the party and consolidate its base with committed members.

“Those that want to leave, let them leave. Maybe it’s an opportunity. Those who are staying are clearly committed. Let’s use this opportunity to start to rebuild for the future,” Saraki asserted.

He dismissed claims that the PDP is a sinking ship, stressing that the party’s 26-year history is a testament to its resilience. “It is not a lost cause. It is doable. We just have to take those steps one by one to rebuild the party,” he said confidently.

Leadership Crisis: Saraki Clears the Air on NEC and National Secretary

Addressing the ongoing leadership tussle within the PDP, particularly concerning the National Secretary position and the legality of the planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Saraki provided clarity.

“So it’s not going to be a NEC on Monday, it’s going to be a caucus. We are all trying to be guided by the law. What is paramount is the interest of the party to ensure we are not subject to litigations that would jeopardize our aspirants,” he explained.

On the controversy surrounding the party’s National Secretary, Saraki stated unequivocally, “As far as INEC is concerned, the person that they see as secretary, as of today, is Senator Sam Anyanwu. Until now, none of us had accepted any secretary. We’re starting the process of doing the right thing.”

PDP’s Roadmap to 2027: Rebuilding and Repositioning

Saraki expressed optimism that the PDP’s early exposure to its internal crises offers a window to restructure long before the 2027 elections. “This happening early in PDP is an advantage. We have two years to the election, and we’re lucky to have that,” he noted.

According to Saraki, the party has commenced groundwork to ensure a strong showing in 2027. “We are laying the foundation to make PDP a good and attractive platform. We are thinking ahead to ensure that we have a credible, serious candidate,” he revealed.

He reiterated that the reconciliation committee remains active and focused on its mandate. “Our job is to lay the groundwork for unity and structure. Once we address the secretary issue, then we can proceed to NEC, then the convention, and hopefully emerge with a newly elected executive.”

Ganduje Resignation Rumors: A Symptom of Broader Political Unrest

Saraki also weighed in on the speculated resignation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. He suggested that such a development points to deeper cracks within the ruling party.

“Either way, clearly something is going on there. The National Chairman of a ruling party is not ever rumoured to resign unless there’s some trouble,” Saraki commented.

Drawing parallels between the challenges faced by both APC and PDP, Saraki emphasized that political turbulence is not unique to any one party. “What matters is how a party responds. For PDP, we are choosing to rebuild, refocus, and reposition ahead of 2027,” he concluded.

A Party in Crisis, But Not Defeated

As the PDP grapples with internal defections, leadership disputes, and external pressures, Saraki’s message is one of resolve rather than retreat. With a clear strategy to rebuild from the grassroots and reposition itself ahead of the next general elections, the party hopes to transform current challenges into a springboard for future success. Whether that vision materializes remains to be seen — but for now, the battle for the soul of the PDP is well underway.