PDP must reform or risk collapse, Saraki warns amid defections

Former Senate President and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reconciliation and convention committee, Bukola Saraki, has warned that more high-profile defections from the party may occur if internal crises remain unresolved.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Friday, Saraki said the wave of defections is largely driven by the elite, stressing that the party’s grassroots support remains strong and committed. “When you go around the country, the state and local government chapters are still very strong. Many at the grassroots aren’t even aware of what’s happening at the national level,” he said.

Saraki described the ongoing leadership tussle, particularly the dispute over the position of national secretary, as a major threat to party stability. He warned that if left unresolved, it could lead to further defections, including governors and senators. “We haven’t seen the worst yet. One or two governors and some senators might still leave,” he said.

He, however, noted that the timing of the crisis gives the PDP an advantage. “It’s better this is happening now, not in late 2026. We still have time to recover and regroup before the 2027 elections,” Saraki explained.

On the national secretary dispute, Saraki clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises Samuel Anyanwu as the legitimate secretary, based on a Supreme Court judgment delivered on March 21, 2025. He noted that recent consultations between PDP leaders and INEC reaffirmed this position.

Saraki stressed the importance of the party embracing generational change. “The next convention must not be business as usual. We must bring in younger, forward-looking leaders who represent the future of the party,” he said.

He cautioned that if the PDP fails to get its act together, Nigeria risks drifting towards a one-party state, which he described as dangerous for democracy. “If PDP fails, democracy suffers. A one-party system will be a disaster for this country,” Saraki warned.

Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) has rejected the announcement of Anyanwu as national secretary, calling the decision “null and void” and a violation of the party’s constitution, further deepening the ongoing crisis.