Delta Defections: PDP Experiencing Rebirth, will Rebuild with Committed Members – Ex-Senate President, Saraki
A former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a rebirth and will work towards rebuilding with committed members ahead of the 2027 elections.
Saraki stressed the need to maintain democracy in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of strong opposition in every election cycle.
This comes following the defection of the Governor of Delta State, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and other members of the PDP in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the mass defection in a statement on Thursday, he asserted that the PDP is better off with loyal members, stressing that those who are not ready to embrace the party can leave immediately.
“Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.
“My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria. I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes.
“A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless. Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point.
“Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party,” the statement reads in part.
Saraki said that the development has vindicated the stance of people like him who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold, noting that he has seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition.
“One was not sure of the next person one was talking to,” the politician noted and appealed to PDP members nationwide that they should understand that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint but a marathon.
He continued: “It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months. That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left.
“Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.”
The former Kwara State Governor expressed shock at the departure of Okowa from the PDP, saying that it is unjustifiable irrespective of circumstances, “Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure.
“It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values. These developments in the polity are the reasons why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the Governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections.”
He reiterated that the numerous party members should understand that the PDP is better off with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress, rather than having many who identify with the party during the day and ‘romance’ the ruling party at night.
Saraki affirmed that the PDP still has about two years before the next election, emphasising that it is a long time in politics – and that the party has enough time to brace itself for the challenge.
“There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development.”
He expressed confidence that the various leadership organs of the party will soon make their reaction to the development public and convene the necessary meetings to strategise on how to respond to it strongly and strategically.
“Therefore there is no cause for alarm. Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright,” he added.
