PDP crisis overstated, party remains viable — Saraki

Amid mounting concerns over its internal divisions, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has pushed back against narratives suggesting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is fading from relevance.

Speaking during a television interview, Saraki argued that the party’s perceived weakness is largely exaggerated by elite-level disagreements, noting that its grassroots structure remains intact across the country.

He maintained that beyond the leadership tussles dominating headlines, the PDP still commands loyalty among its traditional support base, describing it as a political brand that continues to resonate with voters.

“What you hear at the top is different from what is happening on the ground,” he said, insisting that the party remains “very sellable” nationwide.

However, Saraki acknowledged that internal missteps have contributed to the current crisis. He pointed to concerns over due process during the party’s convention, particularly the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he said should have guided decisions at the time.

Even so, he ruled out any intention of leaving the party, framing his reduced political visibility as a personal choice rather than a sign of disengagement, while urging members to close ranks ahead of future elections.

With 2027 in view, Saraki stressed the need for strategic balance within the party, including zoning arrangements, warning that Nigeria’s democracy would suffer without a credible opposition capable of challenging the ruling establishment.