Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has raised fresh concerns over deepening cracks within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hinting that one or two more PDP governors may soon defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) if urgent reforms are not embraced.
Saraki spoke against the backdrop of the ongoing controversy surrounding the rightful occupant of the PDP National Secretary position — a crisis that has further fractured the party’s leadership.
Earlier in the week, PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, directed Senator Samuel Anyanwu to resume duties at the party’s national secretariat. However, this directive was swiftly rejected by at least 11 members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and Senator Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).
Saraki, who supported Damagum’s position on Anyanwu, voiced his disappointment over the divisions during an interview on Arise TV.
“PDP would likely see one or two more defections, and we should prepare ourselves for that, there is a possibility. We haven’t seen the worst of the defections for PDP. We would probably see maybe one or two governors who will defect, and we might see some senators who will defect,” Saraki warned.
He revealed that he was part of the PDP delegation that approached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to seek clarity on the matter and stressed that reaffirming Anyanwu’s position was the most viable path forward.
Saraki emphasized that the crisis, if left unresolved, could have long-term consequences beyond current defections.
“This is not just about resolving today’s issues. It’s about building for the future. The next convention must not be business as usual. We must bring in new, younger faces who represent the future of this party,” he said.
The former Senate President also cautioned that the failure of the PDP could push Nigeria dangerously close to a one-party state.
“If PDP fails, Nigeria edges closer to a one-party state. And that would be a disaster for democracy,” he stated.
Saraki’s comments come at a time of heightened tension within the PDP, as party leaders grapple with internal divisions and fears of further defections weakening the opposition.
