PDP Will Overcome Internal Crisis, Saraki Assures at Youth Summit

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party will navigate its current internal challenges, dismissing suggestions that the opposition party is heading toward collapse.

PDP Unity Efforts Underway

Former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki has strongly rejected claims that the Peoples Democratic Party is in terminal decline, asserting that the party will successfully resolve its ongoing internal disputes. Speaking at the PDP Youth Summit held in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday to commemorate his 63rd birthday, Saraki emphasized that disagreements within the party were a natural part of political development rather than signs of weakness.

“Many people say our party is in shambles. I disagree. Sometimes, it is better to disagree than to agree and stagnate. I believe the PDP will succeed,” Saraki stated, addressing concerns about the party’s current factional divisions. He revealed that both factions were actively engaged in discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission to find lasting solutions to their differences.

The former Senate President assured party members that concrete measures were being implemented to restore unity. “As I speak, the two factions of the PDP are meeting with INEC. I want to assure members that our differences will be sorted out very soon,” he disclosed, signaling optimism about the reconciliation process.

Youth Empowerment Takes Centre Stage

Saraki used the platform to challenge political leaders across Nigeria to prioritize youth empowerment, arguing that the nation’s future prosperity depended significantly on the opportunities made available to young Nigerians. He urged political stakeholders to actively create pathways for youth participation in governance and development initiatives.

Addressing the young attendees directly, Saraki called on them to transition from passive observation to active engagement in nation-building processes. “You are our future. We believe in you, and you must believe in yourselves. You must be participants in nation-building, not spectators,” he emphasized, encouraging them to take ownership of their political destiny.

The sentiment was echoed by other dignitaries at the event. The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, who delivered the keynote address, urged Kwara youths to prepare themselves for leadership through discipline, education and dedicated service to society. He stressed that youth participation remained essential to democratic advancement and effective governance.

PDP Leaders Commend Saraki’s Political Legacy

The Kwara State Chairman of the PDP, Issa Bawa, in his welcome address, described Saraki as a visionary leader whose political achievements warranted celebration. He noted that the youth summit was organized specifically to honor Saraki’s contributions to the party and the nation. Bawa reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to inclusive politics, highlighting the party’s consistent efforts to involve youth and women in decision-making processes.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, represented by Bam Omisore as Chairman of the occasion, praised Saraki as a national leader whose mentorship and influence extended far beyond Kwara State. He encouraged young people to actively participate in politics, community development and governance while cautioning them against being exploited for violence or destructive activities. He specifically urged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and remain consistently engaged in democratic processes.

The Kwara State PDP Youth Leader, Comrade Odunjo, called for unity, strategic mobilization and careful planning as the party prepared for the 2027 general elections. “We, the youths, must be united and strategise, preparing for opportunities ahead of 2027,” he stated. The summit, held at the Arca Santa Arena in Ilorin under the theme ‘Building the Future, Repositioning Kwara: Youth for Leadership Participation and Democratic Growth,’ attracted party leaders, youth stakeholders and supporters from across Kwara State and beyond.