Former Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will overcome its current internal crisis. Speaking at the PDP Youth Summit in Ilorin, Kwara State, Saraki stated that disagreements within the party are not unusual and will ultimately strengthen it. The summit, organized to mark his 63rd birthday, aimed to mobilize young people for leadership and democratic development.
Saraki’s comments come amidst widespread claims that the PDP is in disarray. However, he emphasized that concrete steps are being taken to resolve the crisis, with the two factions within the party engaging 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,” he said.
The former Senate President also stressed the importance of prioritizing youth empowerment, highlighting that Nigeria’s future depends largely on the opportunities created for young people. He urged political leaders to play their roles in creating opportunities for the youth to build the country. Saraki encouraged the youth to move from the sidelines into active participation in nation-building, emphasizing that they are the future of the country.
The summit, themed “Building the Future, Repositioning Kwara: Youth for Leadership Participation and Democratic Growth,” was attended by party leaders, youth stakeholders, and supporters from within and outside Kwara State. The event featured a keynote address by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, who urged Kwara youths to take ownership of the political process and prepare themselves for leadership through discipline, education, and service to society.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by Bam Omisore, described Saraki as a national leader whose influence and mentorship transcend Kwara State. He encouraged young people to participate actively in politics, community development, and governance, while cautioning against allowing themselves to be used for violence or negative activities.
The Kwara State PDP Youth Leader, Comrade Odunjo, called for unity, mobilization, and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 general elections. The summit provided a platform for young people to engage in discussions on leadership and democratic development, with a focus on repositioning Kwara State for future growth.