Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has raised concerns over internal divisions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), warning that unchecked egos, competing ambitions, and external interference could undermine the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an exclusive interview on Thursday, Saraki highlighted the unique challenges of managing an opposition party, noting that unlike ruling parties, opposition politics lacks a centralized command structure, making consensus-building more complex and demanding compromises from all stakeholders
“In a ruling party, decision-making tends to follow a command-and-control structure. But in an opposition party, there is no clear superiority. It requires negotiation, patience, and a willingness to give and take. Everyone must be ready to compromise,” Saraki explained.
He pointed out that PDP’s leadership is made up of seasoned politicians, including former governors and lawmakers, each with their perspectives and ambitions.
While this diversity is a strength, Saraki cautioned that it also has the potential to generate friction if personal ambitions override collective goals.
“Differences are natural in any political organisation, but there are moments when personal egos must be set aside.
The party must come first, the country must come first, and democracy must come first,” he said.
Saraki also raised concerns over external influences, noting that rival political actors often exploit divisions within the party to weaken it.
“There is always an attempt to make it seem like all our problems are self-inflicted. But external pressures also contribute to deepening our internal challenges,” he added.
Reflecting on past disputes, Saraki emphasized that while litigation has sometimes been used to address conflicts, courts cannot replace political dialogue.
“Court processes may address certain issues, but they are not the ultimate solution. Political actors must return to the negotiating table and resolve their differences,” he said.
Despite these hurdles, Saraki expressed confidence in PDP’s enduring relevance, pointing to its grassroots strength across Nigeria.
“Across communities—rural and urban alike—the PDP remains deeply rooted in the consciousness of the people. These challenges, no matter how intense, cannot erase that legacy,” he said.
Looking toward 2027, Saraki struck an optimistic tone, insisting that the party can overcome internal divisions and emerge as a formidable contender.
“We have disagreements, yes. We have strong personalities, yes. But ultimately, there is a shared understanding. Our priority now is to ensure the PDP remains united and fully prepared for the 2027 elections. That is what Nigerians expect from us,” he concluded.
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