Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said it would be “shameful” if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fails to appear on the ballot in the 2027 general elections due to internal issues.

Saraki made the remarks on Sunday while speaking to Channels Television at the PDP’s 2026 National Convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Reflecting on the party’s journey to the convention, Saraki expressed emotion over the reconciliation efforts that led to the gathering.

“Actually, one can be a bit emotional about it because it’s been a long journey to get to here. For me personally, as you know, I’ve played many roles on the reconciliation, trying to get us here. And in the process, one had to take a lot of attacks here and there. But there was only one thing that was driving us, or driving people like myself.

“Let us be able to allow people that want to contest for 2027 on PDP platform. It would be a shame if, by an own goal, one way or the other, we’re not on that ballot. And that has been what has been driving us,” he said.

The former Senate president said the turnout at the convention and the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reinforced confidence in the party’s readiness.

“When I walked in here, saw the attendance, saw INEC here, I said to my God, Alhamdulillah. Because that’s the issue. Everything else, secondary, thirdly, it doesn’t matter.

“What matters today is how people have come out. It shows that PDP is deeply rooted across the country. And the validity of this exercise by the presence of INEC now keeps people, people are so excited. They’re not excited about all the issues.

“They’re excited that now they can follow their ambition, because now they have a platform and PDP can provide that platform. So I’m very happy with what I see today,” he said.

On the issue of party unity and the absence of some key figures at the convention, Saraki said reconciliation efforts were ongoing and would continue beyond the event.

I think the reconciliation process is continuous. I think those seen today, because there were some I was talking to as I was coming here, they say, ‘SP, let me see INEC there. Let me see that there’s validity. If there’s validity, I’ll join you.’

“So what I’m saying is that events are going to be happening after this. Coming out of here, there are those who don’t have any other agenda about making a party that will contest they will join us. There are those who are upset; we will talk to them.

“Look, let’s leave that. What is more important now is the young man in Katsina, the young lady in Zamfara, the young lady in Kaduna to contest the House of Assembly, House of Representatives. He wants the PDP platform; he doesn’t want APC, he doesn’t want the ADC. Let’s make that possible for him.

“The issues about we, the leaders, we should put it behind. And having a second attempt, because, look, we might not have had this opportunity again for PDP. But today, we must appreciate that we were going down. Now we have an opportunity to be on that 2027 election and keep the party going.

“So for those who are not here, I hope that the doors are not closed, because I will continue to talk to them and engage with them, and we have time. And I think this strengthens the conversation and says, ‘Look, this is what we wanted to achieve. Join us.’ I think there will be more reconciliations as we go ahead,” he said.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has faced internal crises, including leadership disputes, factional splits, and legal battles over key positions.

The party has also experienced mass defections, losing governors, lawmakers, and state-level members to the APC. (Channels TV)

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