Saraki Vows PDP Will Regain Political Leadership In 2027**  Receives Hundreds of decampees to PDP in Kwara** Begins Distribution of Sallah Package 

By Omowumi Omotosho

Former Nigeria Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Strategic Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has reaffirmed confidence in the PDP’s revival ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at his constituency office in Ajikobi, Ilorin, on Wednesday, during the PDP’s revalidation and membership registration exercise in Kwara State, where he received hundreds of new members who decamped from the Kwara South Senatorial District of Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by the Director-General of the 2023 Senatorial Campaign for Prof. Wale Suleiman under the SDP, Alhaji Akorede.

Akorede described Saraki as a visionary and selfless leader who had been misunderstood in the past, noting that the hardship and misgovernance in the state since 2019 had vindicated Saraki’s legacy and inspired many to return to the PDP.

Saraki assured party members that strategic efforts are in motion to reposition the PDP as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He dismissed widespread narratives suggesting the PDP is on the brink of collapse, describing such claims as baseless. He emphasized that while some high-profile figures have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP is simultaneously witnessing a quiet but steady influx of new members and returnees from other political platforms.

According to Saraki, these behind-the-scenes developments point to a silent political shift in favor of the PDP, setting the stage for a stronger and more competitive outing in the next general elections.

Saraki said, “some members of the party (PDP) might still defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). I’m also confident that politicians from other political parties might also join the PDP.”

He further stated that, “the only viable opposition party is PDP and yes, there are challenges and I have taken it upon myself to do my best. I am seeing responses from our colleagues who are also ready to settle our differences.

“We were able to do our NEC meeting. We have scheduled another meeting for the end of this month. Between now and then, we will do a lot of legwork.

“Luckily for us, we started early, and we have two more years. We have time to know those that will stay and rebuild the party. Some might still go, and some might still join us.

“Like today, I received new  members to the party at the state level. Once there is stability at the top, I’m sure we will begin to see a better future for PDP. And I thank Nigerians for being patient with the leaders of the party.

“I want to use this opportunity to reassure our members across the country that we are doing our best to rescue the party’s situation. We are confident that we will tackle the situation. We are committed to it.

“Because we are all committed to fledging democracy and fledging democracy means a vibrant opposition. We all have to make personal and group sacrifices for the interest of the country.

Speaking on the party’s ability to bounce back as a ruling party in the state in 2027, Saraki said, “We are even more encouraged by the level of enthusiasm that we are getting. People are coming out to register for the party. People are tired of the state of affairs in the state. New members are coming out to join the party.

“At the same time, all our old members are very active. The members we have seen are very impressive. I think the factors that people are going through in the state; the insecurity unemployment, hunger and lack of presence of governance. So we are confident that the PDP will bounce back in 2027”, he added.

“People are coming out to be associated with PDP, they are ready to want people to know that they’re PDP members. That also tells us at the grassroots that people are still in love with our party.

“Although, we are having our challenges at the national level, we are confident now that once we can sort ourselves out at the top of the leadership, as long as we settle down at the grassroots, everything will fall in place,” he noted.

Also, according to a press statement issued by Saraki’s Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, on Wednesday in Ilorin, the former Nigeria Senate President, has commenced the distribution of Sallah packages to residents across Kwara State in celebration of the upcoming Eid-el-Adha (Ileya) festival.

According to the statement, the Sallah packages include rams, cows, cash gifts, and other essential items meant to support individuals and groups across the state as they prepare for Eid-el-Adha popularly known as Ileya festival.

Abdulganiyu disclosed that the distribution is being coordinated by a key Saraki’s personal aide, Alhaji Nasir Subair, who is tasked with ensuring the equitable sharing of the items across the state’s three senatorial districts.

In his Sallah message to Muslims in Kwara and beyond, Saraki emphasized the values embedded in the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, encouraging citizens to uphold peace and unity.

“As we celebrate this sacred festival of sacrifice, I felicitate with the Muslim community and urge everyone to reflect on the values of selflessness, compassion, and unity that Eid-el-Kabir teaches us,” Saraki said.

He further assured Kwarans of his continuous commitment to their welfare, stressing that his philanthropic gestures remain a token of appreciation for their enduring support and goodwill over the years.

The beneficiaries of the Sallah packages include traditional rulers, religious leaders, party faithful, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure, as well as youth and women groups drawn from various communities across the state.