By Eshiorameh Sebastian in Abuja
Former Senate President and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Dr. Bukola Saraki has issued a stark warning that the Nigeria’s main opposition party risks disintegration unless immediate steps are taken to resolve its deepening leadership crises and restore unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News Prime Time session, Saraki who chairs the PDP’s reconciliation and convention committee, admitted the party is navigating one of the most perilous phases in its history.
Though expressing cautious optimism about the PDP’s ability to recover, Saraki cautioned that the full scale of its internal turmoil may still be unfolding. “The worst may not even have come yet,” he said. “We could see more defections—governors, senators—and if we don’t address these issues immediately, we risk not having a viable platform to contest the next elections.”
At the heart of the party’s troubles is a protracted dispute over the legitimate occupant of the National Secretary position, a controversy that has escalated into legal and procedural complications. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently rejected official PDP correspondence not signed by the currently recognised secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. “INEC has made it clear: any letter not signed by the recognised secretary is invalid. That poses a real threat to our ability to hold a legal NEC or convention,” Saraki explained.
This legal quandary has forced the postponement of the much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for Monday, in favour of an expanded stakeholders’ caucus—a tactical shift aimed at avoiding further legal pitfalls. “We have to be careful,” Saraki emphasised. “We can’t afford a situation where aspirants win primaries and then get disqualified because of internal technicalities.”
Amid the factional infighting, fears of further defections loom large. The recent reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his erstwhile political mentor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike—brokered by President Bola Tinubu—has only intensified speculation that more high-profile PDP figures may exit the party. “We expect more defections,” Saraki conceded. “But we take some consolation in knowing the PDP is still strong at the grassroots. The loyalty there is deep, but leadership decisions are threatening that strength.”
He argued that many of the defections are driven by elite decisions rather than widespread dissatisfaction among the party’s base. “These are top-down moves. Many grassroots members remain committed to PDP and are asking why their leaders are abandoning the party that built their careers.”
Saraki did not shy away from highlighting the broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the collapse of the PDP could push the country toward a dangerous one-party system. “If PDP fails, Nigeria edges closer to a one-party state,” he said. “And that would be a disaster for democracy.” He called on all stakeholders—both within the party and across the political spectrum—to recognise the gravity of the situation and commit to urgent reforms, legal compliance, and inclusive decision-making.
Despite the grim outlook, Saraki maintained that the PDP still has a narrow window to salvage its future, provided it acts decisively. “Thankfully, this is happening in 2025, not 2026. We have a small window to regroup. We must use it wisely.” He stressed the need for a new generation of leaders to revitalise the party, adding that the upcoming convention must serve as a platform for injecting fresh energy into its leadership. “This is not just about resolving today’s issues. It’s about building for the future. The next convention must not be business as usual; we must bring in new, younger faces who represent the future of this party.”
Saraki ended on a note of cautious hope, insisting that while the PDP’s challenges are severe, they are not insurmountable. “This is a defining moment. If we stay united, follow due process, and put the party’s interest first, we can rebuild. But we must act, now.”
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