By Hagxy Don
Amid recent defections rocking the Delta State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Senate President and ex-Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has issued a bold call for political clarity and sincerity within the party. In a strongly worded statement, Saraki urged insincere opposition leaders to take their leave, emphasizing that the PDP is on a path to repositioning and rebirth.
Saraki disclosed that he had received numerous calls and messages from concerned party members and young supporters of democracy alarmed by the recent political shake-up. He reassured them that the defections were an opportunity for purification, not a death knell for the PDP.
“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,” he stated with conviction.
Highlighting the significance of a vibrant opposition in a democratic setting, Saraki warned against the emerging danger of a one-party state, which he described as risky for Nigeria’s diverse political and ethnic landscape. He stressed that viable choices must always be available to citizens to keep democracy alive and governments accountable.
“To sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point,” he said. “There must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes.”
In a moment of candor, Saraki criticized what he described as the deceitfulness among some opposition figures, expressing that he had often felt a lack of sincerity in his political surroundings. “It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless,” he added.
He reiterated that the PDP is entering a new phase—a rebirth—and called on all committed members to stay focused and loyal. “It is better for the party to have a few sincere and committed members than many who are double-faced,” Saraki maintained. “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.”
According to the former Senate President, the current political climate has vindicated those like himself who have chosen a more observational role, silently watching events unfold. “It is a league; twenty-four hours is a long time in politics, and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months,” he added.
Saraki concluded by calling on PDP members not to be discouraged by the events in Delta State but to draw strength from them and recommit to strengthening and consolidating the party.
“The real loyalists will stay,” he noted, “and that is exactly what the party needs for its resurgence.”