Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will overcome its current internal challenges, dismissing claims that the opposition party is nearing collapse.
Saraki spoke on Friday in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a PDP Youth Summit organised by the state chapter to commemorate his 63rd birthday.
Reacting to speculations that the party was in disarray, Saraki said internal disagreements were not unusual in a democratic organisation, adding that such differences could strengthen the PDP rather than weaken it.
“Many people say our party is in shambles. I disagree. Sometimes, it is better to disagree than to agree and stagnate. I believe the PDP will succeed,” he said.
He revealed that concrete steps were already being taken to resolve the crisis, noting that the two factions within the party were currently engaging with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“As I speak, the two factions of the PDP are meeting with INEC. I want to assure members that our differences will be sorted out very soon,” Saraki said.
The former Kwara State governor also challenged political leaders to prioritise youth empowerment, stressing that Nigeria’s future depended on the opportunities created for young people.
“We must play our roles in creating opportunities for the youths to build this country,” he said.
Addressing participants at the summit, Saraki urged young Nigerians to move beyond the sidelines and actively participate in nation-building.
“You are our future. We believe in you, and you must believe in yourselves. You must be participants in nation-building, not spectators,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Kwara State Chairman of the PDP, Issa Bawa, said the summit was organised in honour of Saraki, whom he described as a leader with a clear vision and remarkable political achievements. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth and women inclusion in politics.
Delivering the keynote address, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, urged Kwara youths to take ownership of the political process and prepare for leadership through discipline, education and service to society.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by Bam Omisore as chairman of the occasion, described Saraki as a national leader whose influence and mentorship extended beyond Kwara State. He encouraged young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and remain actively engaged in the democratic process, warning against involvement in violence or negative activities.
Earlier, the Kwara State PDP Youth Leader, Comrade Odunjo, called for unity, mobilisation and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The summit, organised by the Office of the State Youth Leader, was held at the Arca Santa Arena, Ilorin, and attracted party leaders, youth stakeholders and supporters from within and outside the state.
Held under the theme “Building the Future, Repositioning Kwara: Youth for Leadership Participation and Democratic Growth,” the event was described by organisers as a platform to mobilise young people for leadership and democratic development.
