Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has assured that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will weather its current internal crisis, insisting that the opposition party is far from extinction.
Saraki spoke on Friday in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the PDP Youth Summit organised by the state chapter to mark his 63rd birthday.
Reacting to claims that the party was in disarray, Saraki said disagreements within the PDP were not unusual and would ultimately strengthen the party. “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 in talks 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.
Saraki also challenged political leaders to prioritise youth empowerment, stressing that Nigeria’s future depended largely on opportunities created for young people. “We must play our roles in creating opportunities for the youths to build this country,” he said.
Addressing the youth at the summit, Saraki urged them to move from the sidelines into active participation 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 PDP Chairman, Issa Bawa, described Saraki as a leader with a clear vision and remarkable political achievements. Bawa emphasised that the PDP remained committed to youth and women inclusion, consistently creating space for their participation 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, noting that youth participation is critical to democratic growth and good governance.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by Bam Omisore, described Saraki as a national leader whose influence and mentorship transcended Kwara State. He encouraged young people to engage actively in politics, community development, and governance, including obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards, while cautioning 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. “We, the youths, must be united and strategise, preparing for opportunities ahead of 2027,” he said.
The summit, organised by the Office of the State Youth Leader at Arca Santa Arena, Ilorin, attracted party leaders, youth stakeholders, and supporters from within and outside Kwara State. Held under the theme, “Building the Future, Repositioning Kwara: Youth for Leadership Participation and Democratic Growth,” the programme was described by organisers as a platform to mobilise young people for leadership and democratic development.
