Governors and National Assembly members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly exerting pressure on former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, to assume the position of national chairman, according to reliable sources. The party’s leadership is currently being held by Ambassador Illya Umar Damagun in an acting capacity, following the removal of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman by a Benue High Court.
The PDP is said to be preparing for a complete reorganization of the party in the event that the presidential election tribunal does not rule in favor of its candidate, Atiku Abubakar. A member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) disclosed that individuals have been visiting Saraki’s residences in Maitama, Abuja, and Ikoyi, Lagos, ostensibly to discuss the future of the opposition party. While some visits are one-on-one, others come in small groups.
Sources reveal that these individuals express concern that the PDP will struggle under a Tinubu presidency unless it is led by someone capable of uniting all members and rebuilding a strong party. Another NWC member emphasized that the party’s current state, marked by an inactive national secretariat, necessitates reorganization with a figure like Saraki at the helm.
According to party insiders, Saraki is known for his ability to unite various factions and enjoys widespread acceptance and goodwill among groups such as the G-5 Group, Atiku’s supporters, non-aligned members, and even the NWC. They laud his successful reconciliation efforts in 2021, which revived the party after its defeat in the 2019 presidential election. Furthermore, Saraki is said to have garnered support from elder statesmen like Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Aliyu Gusau, as well as the youth wing of the party.
Despite the pressure, sources close to Saraki reveal that he has consistently rejected these overtures. He insists that discussions regarding the next executive should not occur until after the ongoing litigation over the presidential election results has been conclusively resolved. Saraki also cautions against sparking a fresh crisis by prematurely terminating the tenure of the present NWC members. Instead, he expresses a preference for operating from behind the scenes to assist the party, rather than taking on a formal party position.
Nonetheless, those close to Saraki within the party remain unwavering in their efforts to persuade him to lead the PDP. They are reportedly considering involving his associates in the business world to support the party’s rebuilding process. When contacted, several PDP chieftains declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing legal proceedings at the tribunal as the reason for their reticence.
