Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has disclosed that more defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are likely, but maintained that hope is not lost for Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, Saraki acknowledged the internal divisions rocking the PDP but expressed confidence in ongoing reconciliation efforts.
He reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the party and restoring unity among its members.
He said: “Some members of the PDP might still defect to the APC. But I’m also confident that politicians from other parties might join the PDP.
“The only viable opposition party in Nigeria is still the PDP, and despite the challenges, we are committed to rebuilding.”
The PDP has been grappling with a prolonged leadership crisis, which intensified ahead of the 2023 general elections and has persisted since.
The fallout between the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the G-5 governors led by Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, remains unresolved.
The party is also currently entangled in a power tussle over the position of National Secretary.
To address these issues, the PDP recently constituted a reconciliation committee led by Saraki, who has since embarked on a series of consultations aimed at mending fences within the party.
Saraki stated: “I’m seeing encouraging responses from colleagues who are ready to reconcile.
“I want to reassure PDP members across the country that we are working hard to resolve the crisis. We are confident and committed to rescuing the party’s future.”
