Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has reaffirmed his commitment to the reconciliation process within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging members to unite and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the PDP 2026 National Convention, Saraki stressed the need for members to rebuild trust, close ranks, and place the party’s collective interest above personal ambitions.
He described the convention as a turning point aimed at reconciliation, accommodation, repositioning, and rejuvenation.
“By the grace of God, it will not be under our watch that this party will die through non-participation in the general election,” Saraki said. “I will be part of the process of reconciliation. Let us put our heads together and move forward as one family.”
He also appealed to party members who were yet to align with the ongoing process to join hands in strengthening the PDP, noting that unity was a shared responsibility.
Saraki declared that the convention had sent a strong signal that the PDP remains a viable political force, capable of providing a credible alternative in Nigeria’s democratic space.
“We now have a party, and no one can blackmail our aspirants by saying they will not be on the ballot. PDP will be on the ballot paper. PDP has come to stay,” he stated.
He further urged the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure transparency in candidate selection and to embark on a comprehensive membership registration drive to strengthen the party’s base nationwide.
Saraki commended the Convention Planning Committee led by former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, as well as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for their roles in organising the event.
Also speaking, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido reflected on the PDP’s history, describing it as the foundation of modern political movements in Nigeria.
Lamido noted that many prominent figures in other political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), originally emerged from the PDP.
“If you look at the APC, if you take away President Bola Tinubu, many of them are PDP,” Lamido said, urging defectors to return to the party.
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He called on aggrieved members to set aside personal differences in the interest of national unity and democracy, maintaining that the PDP remains the most credible alternative for Nigeria’s future.
“We are willing to forgive and forget because of PDP. Let us embrace unity; it is not about any individual, it is about Nigerian ownership,” he added.
