PDP Crisis: We’re going nowhere, says Saraki

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the prolonged crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be resolved within the next few months.

He insisted that the party remains strong and united.

Saraki spoke on Friday at a PDP youth summit organised by the Kwara State chapter of the party in Ilorin to commemorate his 63rd birthday.

He said internal disagreements were normal in political parties and should not be misconstrued as weakness.

“At this point, I want to tell our people, particularly the PDP youth, as we go ahead, that many people have been sending out propaganda, saying which PDP. Be rest assured that PDP is still strong, vibrant and ready to deliver”, he said.

The former Senate President acknowledged the existence of challenges within the party but expressed confidence that they would soon be resolved.

“Yes, every party will have its own problem. That is normal,” Saraki said, adding that “But I can assure you that within the next few months, we will resolve our problem in the party.

“We are going nowhere and you people are going nowhere. You are with me, I am with you. Wherever I am, we are going together. PDP is going to make a better Nigeria”, he noted.

Saraki disclosed that leaders of the different factions in the party were already taking concrete steps to address the crisis through engagement with the electoral body.

“You must have seen that I was on the phone at a time here, just to let you know what is going on. As I am talking with you, the two factions of the PDP are meeting with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“That is to tell you that things are beginning to happen. So I want to assure you that the future is very bright”, he stated.

Saraki urged party members, especially the youths, to remain committed and work hard to reposition the PDP.

“I only want you to do your own part. Today is my birthday. Let us make a pledge to work hard to ensure we deliver for the PDP.

“I have told you that I do not have any candidate for any position. Go and deliver those that will represent us. Let us bring them in and work together to make a better Kwara and a better Nigeria. I know we can do it together”, he submitted.

He further called for collaboration between elders and youths in the party to ensure sustainable growth.

“Thank God for the growth of our youth. It is my joy to see people successful,” he said. “I want to thank our elders who are here for their commitment so far. It is a marriage of the old and the young in the PDP. We will not forget the elders. But the reality is that it is the time of youth.”

He added that nurturing young leaders did not mean abandoning the elders.

“We have to nurture and guide them. It is not about abandoning anybody. The youth are the future. You have to create opportunities. Let us continue to work in harmony and play our own role. Even if we want to fight, let us get inside Government House and fight in there”, he said.

Expressing optimism about the future, Saraki said the party would continue to produce capable leaders for the state and the country.

“I am confident that the future is bright. We will have many great and productive people in the party and in the state. Where I am now, I give thanks to God. I only want to give for your future. I cannot take from you”, he said.

Meanwhile, political associates of the former Senate President converged on his father’s GRA residence in Ilorin to offer special prayers to mark his 63rd birthday.

The prayer session attracted prominent PDP leaders from across Kwara State.

Delivering a lecture at the gathering, Sheikh Labeeb Agbaji reflected on the life and virtues of Saraki’s late father, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, describing him as a man of love, generosity and forgiveness.

He said the celebrant had sustained his father’s legacy through compassion and an open mind.

Another cleric and Mukadam of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Danboronu, urged supporters of the former Senate President to emulate his leadership qualities, describing him as a man of the people who had consistently deployed his resources for the wellbeing of the people.

Sheikh Abdulrazaq Aduagba, in his admonition, called on Saraki’s supporters to promote love, unity and togetherness, noting that these virtues defined his leadership style.

As part of the birthday activities, Saraki also joined elderly women at Ile Arugbo in Ilorin in a festive mood.

He later thanked his well wishers and expressed gratitude for their continued support and goodwill.

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