Saraki’s Game Plan To Reenergize PDP Ahead 2027 Election

Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and two-term governor of Kwara State, is playing a pivotal role in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) effort to reclaim its place as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.

Saraki, who served as the Senate President from 2015 to 2019, is leveraging his political experience and consensus-building skills to address internal divisions that have weakened the party since its loss of power in 2015.

At the launch of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) in Abuja last November, Saraki underscored the need for the PDP to rebuild around clear ideas and policies rather than personal ambitions. His message resonated with party stakeholders who have long complained of infighting and a lack of coherent ideology.

Saraki’s collaboration with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has also been a significant factor in his emerging influence.

The duo met recently in Ibadan, where Saraki led a PDP National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee delegation to address grievances among Oyo PDP factions. The meeting, which also included former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Cross River governor Liyel Imoke, ended with assurances from Makinde that all aggrieved members would be engaged in resolving the crisis.

Analysts say Saraki’s national appeal gives him an edge over other party leaders. Unlike some PDP stalwarts who remain confined to their regional bases, Saraki has built bridges across party lines and forged relationships with technocrats, civil society actors, and grassroots mobilizers. This broad reach has helped rebrand the PDP as an inclusive and progressive party.

In addition to his diplomatic skills, Saraki has consistently advocated for internal democracy and credible primaries, aligning with public expectations for accountability and good governance. His push for transparency has helped restore confidence among party loyalists and positioned the PDP as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His fundraising capacity has also come to the fore. Leveraging his network of business and political contacts, Saraki has attracted resources that have bolstered the party’s finances—a key factor as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

With a combination of strategic partnerships, national influence, and an emphasis on policy-driven leadership, Saraki’s role in the PDP’s resurgence is becoming increasingly central. Party insiders say his efforts at fostering unity and driving reforms could determine the party’s fortunes in the next general election.