Former Senate President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bukola Saraki, has decried the ongoing wave of defections from the party, warning that such decisions, when based on anger and frustration, rather than strategic foresight, pose serious risks to Nigeria’s democratic future.

Saraki issued the warning during the Consultative Conference of PDP Founding Fathers and Stakeholders, held on Wednesday at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. The meeting was convened as part of ongoing efforts to address the party’s internal crises and to chart a forward-looking path ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The conference, themed “Reclaiming Our Legacy, Renewing Our Collective Vision,” brought together elder statesmen, party leaders, former presidential aspirants, and members of the PDP’s Board of Trustees. It came at a time when the PDP is grappling with serious internal challenges, worsened by recent defections by prominent members to rival political parties.

Among those who have recently parted ways with the PDP are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and publisher and presidential aspirant Dele Momodu all of whom have now aligned with the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Additionally, some state governors and other influential figures have shifted allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Notably, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa have all joined the APC fold.

Reacting to the defections, Saraki, himself a former governor and ex-member of the APC, cautioned that decisions about political alignment must be based on vision and national interest, not on personal grievances.

“I stand here as someone who has been in this party, and someone who has been out of it. I left the PDP once out of anger but I have learned that anger does not build nations. Anger does not win elections. Anger does not strengthen institutions,” he said.

Saraki warned that while many departing PDP members claim to be seeking better platforms, those alternative parties including the ruling APC are also riddled with their own internal contradictions.

“Yes, we have challenges in the PDP. But so do the other parties. Has the APC, after nearly 12 years in power, delivered anything close to what PDP achieved in its 16 years? We built the largest economy in Africa. We had double-digit GDP growth. We had relative stability and security. The country was united,” he stated.

He emphasized that abandoning the PDP at this critical time would be a betrayal of the collective efforts that built the party into a formidable political force in Nigeria.

“Those who think they can bury the PDP are wrong. The people gathered here today party leaders, stakeholders, and founding fathers are proof that this party still has life, structure, and relevance. This party has deep roots and a proud legacy. We must not let our house fall simply because the roof is leaking.”

Saraki acknowledged that the PDP must take responsibility for its failings, including internal wrangling, lack of discipline in some quarters, and communication breakdowns between its leadership and grassroots members. However, he urged members not to use these issues as excuses to jump ship.

“This is the time for reflection and reform, not retreat. Let’s face our internal issues head-on. Let’s rebuild this party. We can only fix the PDP from within not from outside.”

The former Kwara State governor appealed for unity among members and stressed the need for internal democracy, fairness, and collective decision-making to guide the PDP through its next phase.

“We must give every member a sense of belonging. We cannot afford to sideline or trample on the rights of others. This party must stand on the pillars of justice, inclusion, and vision.”

Reiterating his commitment to the PDP, Saraki declared that he would remain in the party and work actively towards its restoration.

“For me, leaving the PDP is not an option. I didn’t come this far to walk away when things get tough. I’m a fighter I will stay and give this party everything I’ve got. History will not forgive us if the PDP collapses on our watch. We owe it to ourselves and to the Nigerian people to fix it.”

He concluded by challenging party leaders to recommit to the founding ideals of the PDP and resist the lure of quick political gains at the expense of long-term national stability.

“We must resist propaganda. We must resist division. We must remember that the PDP remains the most credible platform to deliver progress, unity, and prosperity for Nigeria. The time to act is now not tomorrow, not after another defection, but now.”

The consultative meeting is expected to serve as a launchpad for wider reconciliation efforts and strategic repositioning of the PDP as it prepares to contest power in the 2027 general elections.