Saraki Assures PDP Members: “No Cause for Alarm, We’ll Reposition the Party”
Ilorin, Nigeria – Former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has downplayed the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, assuring party faithful that the development is a temporary setback that will ultimately strengthen the party.
Reacting to concerns raised by party members and pro-democracy youth over the exit of some top PDP figures, Saraki described the defections as an opportunity to reposition and rebuild the opposition party ahead of future elections.
“Those who want to leave the PDP should do so now. Let those of us who are committed stay back and refocus on rebuilding the party into a viable alternative for Nigerians,” he said in a statement released on Wednesday. He emphasized that a vibrant opposition is critical to sustaining democracy in a diverse country like Nigeria.
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The former Senate President warned against the dangers of a one-party state and reiterated that credible alternatives are essential to keeping any government in check. He lamented the erosion of political values and the lack of loyalty among some political actors, noting that recent events have vindicated his earlier decision to remain silent and observant.
Saraki also criticized the recent defection of a leading PDP vice-presidential candidate to the ruling party, calling it “unprecedented” and a sign of declining leadership values in the nation’s politics. “No one should try to justify such an act under the guise of political pressure,” he stated.
He urged PDP members not to apportion blame to the ruling party but rather to see the situation as a wake-up call for internal reflection and restructuring. “It is our duty to strengthen the PDP, not to lament or cast blame. The party must be rebuilt with loyal, sincere, and committed members,” he added.
With two years before the next general election, Saraki remains optimistic that the PDP has ample time to regroup and possibly attract new allies, including governors from other political parties. He encouraged the party’s youth and women’s wings to take up active roles in the rebuilding process.
Concluding, Saraki called for calm and resilience among party members nationwide, assuring them that the leadership of the PDP will soon meet to strategize a comprehensive response to the recent developments. “There is no cause for alarm. The future of our party is bright,” he declared.
