Saraki Warns: PDP Collapse May Lead to One-Party Rule

Former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki,

Former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has issued a sobering warning about the future of Nigeria’s political landscape. In a recent interview on Arise TV, Saraki cautioned that the worst wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may still be ahead, posing a real threat to the nation’s multi-party democracy.

Saraki admitted that the PDP is currently facing one of the most turbulent periods in its history. He predicted that more high-profile defections possibly involving governors and senators could occur in the coming months.

“We haven’t seen the worst yet. There’s still a strong possibility that we could lose one or two more governors, and some senators may also leave,” he stated.

A Crisis Arriving Early—But Not Too Late

Despite the troubling forecast, Saraki maintained a tone of cautious optimism. He pointed out that with nearly two years until the 2027 general elections, the party still has time to regroup and rebuild.

“If this crisis had erupted in late 2026, we wouldn’t have had time to recover. The fact that it’s happening now gives us a unique window to fix what’s broken,” he noted.

He emphasized that the PDP’s long-standing history and grassroots strength remain a solid foundation on which to rebuild.

“This party has been around for over 26 years. It's natural for any institution of that age to go through low moments. But the base is still active. In many local government areas, the PDP remains vibrant and connected to the people,” Saraki said.

The Grassroots Advantage and a Call for Renewal

Drawing on his extensive experience, Saraki urged the PDP to focus on rebuilding from the ground up. He noted that many grassroots supporters are not directly impacted by the Abuja-level political drama and continue to maintain faith in the party.

“There’s a disconnect between the national crisis and the mood at the grassroots. That’s encouraging. Now, we must harness that strength to rebuild from the bottom,” he explained.

He called for a radical shift in the party’s leadership structure, advocating for a future-oriented national convention that would usher in younger, visionary leaders.

“This is not about solving today's problem alone. It’s about charting a future. The next convention must break from tradition—we need new blood, younger leaders who understand where Nigeria is heading.”

A Warning for Nigerian Democracy

Saraki ended his remarks with a strong warning: the PDP’s failure could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.

“If the PDP collapses, Nigeria edges dangerously close to becoming a one-party state. That would be a tragedy for our democracy and a betrayal of everything we’ve worked for since 1999.”

As the PDP grapples with internal divisions and leadership questions, Saraki’s message is clear: reform is not optional it is existential. The coming months will determine whether the party can reinvent itself or fade into political irrelevance, leaving Nigeria’s democratic balance hanging in the balance.

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