Former Senate President and ex-chairman of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has assured that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will reconcile its two factions into a single united party in the coming months.
Gatekeepers News reports that Saraki made the remarks on Friday during a youth summit organised by the PDP at the Alca Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, to mark his 63rd birthday.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the two factions to resolve differences and restore harmony within the party.
“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,” Saraki said, addressing the gathering of mainly youths, along with PDP chieftains including Kawu Baraje and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Bamikole Omishore.
Saraki urged members to support the party and work towards its goals:
“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 better Nigeria. I know we can do it together. I assure you that very soon, in a few months to come, we shall become one indivisible party; by then, we will have aligned the factions into one.”
He further stressed that the PDP remains strong and vibrant and that grievances would be resolved soon:
“Be assured that PDP is still strong and vibrant; in another few months, we shall resolve all grievances,” Saraki said.
On political ambitions within the party, Saraki emphasised that every aspirant is free to pursue elective positions without fear or favoritism:
“I don’t have any favoured candidate or aspirant; anyone is free to contest any elective post.”
He also paid tribute to PDP elders while highlighting the importance of youth participation in politics:
“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 youths; we have to nurture and guide them. It’s not about abandoning anybody. The youth are the future. You have to create an opportunity.”
Saraki cautioned party members against engaging in propaganda or negative campaigns:
“Many people have been sending out propaganda. Be assured that PDP is still strong, vibrant and ready to deliver. 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. We’re going nowhere; we are not leaving the PDP, 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.”
