2027: I stayed in PDP for Kwara people -Saraki

• Predicts PDP victory in governorship race

From Ogunniyi Joseph Taiwo, Ilorin

Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has explained his decision to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he stayed back because of his commitment to the people of Kwara State.

Saraki, who spoke yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting of the PDP Kwara South Senatorial District at his residence in Ilorin, also charged party members to strengthen their grassroots structures and take responsibility for delivering their polling units in the 2027 general election.

“My staying back in PDP is for my people in Kwara,” he declared.

His remarks come amid continuing political realignments and moves by opposition parties towards greater cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Saraki said the PDP’s electoral fortunes would depend substantially on the strength of its organisation at the grassroots, insisting that every member must take responsibility for his or her immediate political base.

“Hold your base and polling units. That is what the party requires from everyone. Our collective commitment and resolve will do the job. Ensure you do everything possible at your polling units,” he said.

According to a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the former Senate President commended PDP stakeholders in Kwara South for their sacrifices, commitment and continued support for the party and its candidates.

The meeting was attended by the party’s governorship candidate, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu; his running mate, Rev. C.O.S. Fawenu; members of the state executive led by the chairman, Isa Adamu Bawa; party elders and National Assembly candidates.

Saraki said the recent governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti offered lessons for the PDP, particularly on grassroots mobilisation, voter engagement and polling-unit organisation.

“We have lessons to learn from Osun and Ekiti governorship elections. We must understand what happened, learn from it and apply those lessons.

“Every member has a role to play, and we must ensure that our structures at the polling-unit level are strong, active and ready,” he said.

The former Senate President expressed confidence in the PDP candidates, saying they would provide purposeful leadership, prioritise the welfare of the people and contribute to Kwara’s development if elected.

He also assured members that sacrifices made for the party would not be forgotten and urged them to remain united as preparations for the elections intensify.

“Our political family values the commitment and sacrifices of its members. What is important is that nobody who has contributed to strengthening our collective effort will be forgotten.

“We must continue to build together and ensure that the party remains strong,” he said.

Saraki expressed confidence that the PDP would wrest control of Kwara State in the forthcoming election.

“The next Governor of Kwara State shall be the one flying the PDP flag,” he declared.

He said loyal members would continue to have a place in the party’s future, stressing that the political struggle should ultimately be about the welfare of the people and development of the state.

I prefer “2027: I stayed in PDP for Kwara people — Saraki”. It immediately raises the question of why he needed to explain staying, which gives the headline political intrigue in the context of the opposition coalition moves now gathering momentum.