Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has urged stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prioritise the welfare of the party over individual considerations.
Speaking to Leadership, Saraki asserted clashing egos, competing interests, and outside interference remain major threats to the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 election.
Saraki explained that managing an opposition party comes with complexities that differ significantly from those of a ruling party.
“In a ruling party, decision-making tends to follow a command-and-control structure. But in an opposition party, it’s different. There is no clear superiority. It requires and negotiation, patience.” he said.
He pointed out that the PDP’s leadership structure includes individuals with vast political experience, former governors, lawmakers, and other influential figures, each bringing their own perspectives and ambitions.
“This diversity, while a strength, also creates friction that must be carefully managed.
“Differences are natural in any political organisation, but there are moments when personal egos must be set aside. The party must come first, the country must come first, and democracy must come first,” Saraki noted.
Beyond internal disagreements, Saraki also alluded to the role of external forces in shaping the PDP’s internal dynamics. He suggested that rival political actors often exploit or even fuel divisions within the opposition.
“There is always an attempt to make it seem like all our problems are self-inflicted. But the reality is that external influences also play a role in deepening internal challenges,” he said.
Reflecting on past crises within the party, Saraki recalled efforts made by party leaders to prevent fragmentation and maintain unity. While acknowledging that some disputes escalated to litigation, he maintained that judicial intervention cannot replace political dialogue.
“Court processes may address certain issues, but they are not the ultimate solution. At the end of the day, political actors must return to the negotiating table and resolve their differences,” he explained.
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