Saraki Says Efforts on to Reposition PDP, Resolves Party’s Crisis

 

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has expressed optimism that the lingering internal disagreements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will soon be resolved, projecting that the crisis would be laid to rest within the next few months.

Saraki, who previously headed the PDP reconciliation committee, made this known while addressing party faithful at a PDP youth summit organised by the Kwara State chapter in Ilorin on Friday.

 

The event also coincided with activities marking his 63rd birthday. He noted that internal disputes are not unusual in political organisations, stressing that despite its challenges, the PDP remains resilient, energetic and prepared to govern.

According to the former Senate President, leaders from the different factions within the party have already engaged with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in an effort to chart a path toward reconciliation, adding that the ongoing disagreements would soon be resolved.

“At this point, I want to tell our people, particularly, the PDP youth, as we go ahead, that many people have been sending out propaganda, saying which PDP? Be assured that PDP is still strong, vibrant and ready to deliver.

Yes. Every party will have its own problem. That’s normal. But I can assure you that within the next few months, we’ll resolve our problem at the party. We’re going nowhere, and you people are going nowhere. You’re with me, I’m with you. Wherever I am, we’re going together. PDP is going to make a better Nigeria.

“You must have seen that I was on the phone at that time. Just to let you know what is going on. As I’m talking with you, the two factions of the PDP are meeting with INEC. That’s to tell you that things are beginning to happen. So, I want to assure you that the future is very bright. I only want you to do your own part. Today is my birthday.

“Let’s make a pledge to work hard to ensure we deliver for the PDP. I’ve told you that I don’t have any candidates for any position. Go and deliver those who will represent us. Let’s bring them in and work together to make a better Kwara and a better Nigeria. O know we can do it together”.

Saraki further stated that he is committed to building a stronger and more united PDP, emphasising that cooperation between the youth and senior party members would be key to the party’s growth and success.

“Thank God for the growth of our youth. It’s my joy to see people successful. And I want to thank our elders who are here for their commitment so far. It’s a marriage of the old and young in the PDP. We will not forget the elders. But the reality is that it’s the time of youth. We have to nurture and guide them. It’s not about abandoning anybody. The youth are the future. You have to create an opportunity. Let’s continue to work in harmony and play our own role. Even if we want to fight, let’s get inside Government House and fight in there.

“I’m confident that the future is bright. We would have many great and productive people at the party and in the state. Where I am now, I give thanks to God. I only want to give for your future. I can’t take from you”, he said.

Meanwhile, associates and supporters of Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki gathered at his late father’s GRA residence in Ilorin to offer special prayers in celebration of his 63rd birthday.

The prayer session drew several notable PDP figures, including former Acting National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje; former Kwara State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Isola Balogun Fulani; former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and governorship aspirant, Prof. Ali Ahmad; former chief of staff and a governorship candidate, Alhaji Ladi Hassan, as well as another PDP governorship aspirant, Engineer Bolakale Kawu Agaka, among others.

Also at the event, 100 students who benefited from Saraki’s scholarship at Muhammed Kamaldeen University, Ilorin presented a cake to celebrate his birthday.

As part of the birthday activities, Saraki, who holds the traditional title of Waziri Ngeri, also joined elderly women at Ile-Arugbo in Ilorin, sharing moments of celebration and goodwill.

The former Senate President expressed appreciation to all those who celebrated with him, thanking his supporters and well-wishers for their unwavering support and kind gestures.(Nationalpilot)