‘PDP Has Not Seen The Worst Defection, Still Very Strong In Grassroots’ – Saraki

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, Bukola Saraki, has asserted that the party is yet to experience the worst of defections.

Naijaonpoint reports that Saraki, during an interview on ARISE Television on Friday, addressed the latest internal challenges rocking the opposition party, as well as the broader state of Nigerian politics.

Despite the cracks, Saraki expressed confidence in the party’s resilience, especially at the grassroots level, stressing that the PDP remains committed to rebuilding and repositioning itself for the 2027 general elections.

He said, “Well, at this time… PDP would see, likely see, you know, one or two more defections. And we should prepare ourselves for that. There is a possibility. Maybe Fubara, maybe others… we say, look, the worst is not yet. We haven’t seen the worst of the defections for PDP.

 “The party is still very strong in the grassroots. Some of the grassroots members say, look, I’ve been PDP all my life… but out of the politics, there’s deference to our leaders… That’s what I mean by it’s top, bottom, as opposed to bottom up.”

Saraki also dismissed the notion that the PDP is a sinking ship, noting that some defectors might return to the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He confirmed that the PDP is already laying the foundation to make the party an attractive platform and is also preparing to field a strong presidential candidate in 2027.

He added, “Might not be, probably defect, but there are still some things that are going to happen in a lot of the states before that. This happening early in PDP is an advantage. We have two years to election… and we’re lucky to have that.

 “It is not a lost cause. A party of over 26 years of history… It is doable. We just have to take those steps one by one to rebuild the party. Those that want to leave, let them leave. Maybe it’s an opportunity… those who are staying, clearly they’re staying, they’re very committed. Let’s use this opportunity to start to rebuild for the future.

“Exactly. We are thinking to ensure that we have a credible, serious candidate… We’re not yet at home, but we’re laying foundation to make PDP a good and attractive platform.”