Former Senate President has expressed confidence that the (PDP) will overcome its ongoing internal crisis, insisting that the party is stronger than its current disagreements and will emerge more united.
Saraki spoke amid rising tensions within the opposition party over leadership disputes, factional alignments and legal battles that have stalled key activities, including plans for a national convention. According to him, internal disagreements are not new in the history of the PDP and should not be mistaken for signs of collapse.
He said senior party leaders are already engaged in behind-the-scenes consultations and reconciliation talks aimed at resolving the crisis, stressing that dialogue, patience and respect for party structures remain the only viable path forward.
“The PDP has faced similar challenges in the past and survived. What is important now is to put the interest of the party and the country above personal ambitions,” Saraki said.
Background to the Crisis
The PDP has been engulfed in months of internal turmoil following disputes over the legitimacy of the current national leadership, the suspension and counter-suspension of key officials, and conflicting court orders affecting party decisions. These disagreements have created rival camps within the National Working Committee (NWC) and delayed consensus on the way forward.
Tensions escalated recently over plans to hold a national convention, with some leaders insisting it should proceed, while others, including Saraki, argued that holding such a convention amid unresolved legal and leadership issues could further fragment the party and expose it to more court challenges.
Calls for Caution and Reconciliation
Saraki has consistently urged the party to suspend contentious actions and focus on reconciliation. He has also supported the idea of temporary arrangements, including a broad-based caretaker mechanism if necessary, to stabilise the party and rebuild trust among aggrieved stakeholders.
Party insiders say consultations with the electoral umpire, the (INEC), are ongoing, while court cases relating to the leadership crisis are still pending.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The crisis comes at a sensitive time for the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself as a viable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts warn that prolonged internal instability could weaken the party’s grassroots structures and fuel further defections.
However, Saraki remains optimistic, urging members to stay committed and avoid actions that could damage the party’s long-term prospects.
“The PDP remains a national platform with deep roots across the country. What we need now is restraint, unity and a collective resolve to rebuild,” he said.
As negotiations continue, party members and observers are watching closely to see whether ongoing talks will translate into concrete resolutions capable of restoring stability and confidence within Nigeria’s main opposition party.