Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has warned that it would be “shameful” if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fails to appear on the 2027 general election ballot due to internal disputes.
Saraki made the comments on Sunday while speaking at the PDP’s 2026 National Convention at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, reflecting on ongoing efforts to stabilize the opposition party.
He explained that the main purpose of the reconciliation moves within the PDP is “to ensure that members have a viable platform to contest future elections.”
“Let us be able to allow people that want to contest for 2027 on PDP platform. It would be a shame if, by an own goal, one way or the other, we’re not on that ballot,” he said.
Describing the journey to the convention as challenging, Saraki noted that he and others involved in reconciliation had faced criticism.
“It’s been a long journey to get to here… in the process, one had to take a lot of attacks here and there,” he stated.
However, Saraki expressed optimism after observing the turnout at the convention, particularly the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he said boosted confidence in the exercise.
“When I walked in here, saw the attendance, saw INEC here, I said… Alhamdulillah. Because that’s the issue. Everything else… doesn’t matter,” he said.
He added that the enthusiasm among party members is fueled by the assurance that the PDP remains a credible platform for pursuing political ambitions.
“They’re excited that now they can follow their ambition, because now they have a platform and PDP can provide that platform,” Saraki added.
On the absence of some key figures at the convention, he affirmed that reconciliation efforts would continue and expressed hope that aggrieved members would return.
“For those who are not here, I hope that the doors are not closed… I will continue to talk to them and engage with them,” he said.
He stressed the need for party leaders to set aside personal differences for the sake of members seeking elective positions.
“The issues about we, the leaders, we should put it behind… what is more important now is the young man… the young lady… who wants the PDP platform,” he said.
The PDP has faced ongoing internal crises since the 2023 elections, including leadership disputes and defections, raising questions about its preparedness for the next general polls.