Defection: Let them leave, we’ll rebuild, says Saraki

Amid the recent political shake-up rocking the Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has broken his silence, calling for calm and renewal within the party’s rank and file.

In a statement released late Thursday on X, Saraki declared that those who wish to defect from the PDP should do so without delay, asserting that the party will emerge stronger with loyal members committed to its ideals.

“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,” Saraki stated.

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The former Kwara State governor’s comments come in response to mounting defections from the PDP in Delta State, including high-profile exits that have sparked concern over the strength and unity of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Saraki emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the existence of a strong opposition, warning against the dangers of a one-party state. “To sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point… 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,” he said. “It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.”

Saraki called the current moment a “rebirth” for the PDP, urging members to use the crisis as an opportunity to strengthen the party’s foundations. “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,” he remarked.

In a scathing rebuke of some opposition leaders, Saraki said he had long harbored doubts about their sincerity, pointing to recent events as proof of hidden agendas and questionable loyalties.

“This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold,” he explained.

“I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to.”

In an unusual critique, Saraki also condemned the decision of a vice-presidential candidate to abandon the party, describing it as “unbecoming and shocking.” “It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values,” he lamented.

Rather than dwell on the defections or blame the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Saraki called on PDP members nationwide to focus inward. “Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach,” he said.

“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.”

Despite the turbulence, Saraki remains optimistic about the PDP’s future, even after the defection of the Delta State Governor. “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 asserted.

“The PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.”

Saraki called on the party’s youth and women’s wings to rise to the occasion and lead the rebuilding process.

He also reaffirmed his belief that the party has sufficient time to reorganize before the next elections. “We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics,” he said.

“There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks.” He concluded his remarks with a message of resilience and hope: “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.”