The former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has expressed optimism about the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) chances of bouncing back before the general elections. Despite several high-profile defections, Saraki believes the party can still present viable candidates. He emphasizes that the party's objective should be to create opportunities for itself, rather than focusing on individual interests.
Saraki notes that the party's national convention, which was initially scheduled for Ibadan, was marred by the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He is concerned that the Abuja convention may face similar challenges, given the Supreme Court's involvement. The former Senate President attributes the party's current woes to the timing of the primaries, which he believes has led to a mass exodus of members.
Saraki acknowledges that some governors who defected from the PDP had genuine reasons for doing so. He cites the example of Osun State, where the party's inability to field candidates in the election was due to the lack of an executive committee. However, he is less convinced about the reasons cited by other governors, such as those from Zamfara, Taraba, and Plateau.
Dr Bukola Saraki's comments highlight the deep-seated problems within the PDP. The party's inability to present viable candidates in several states, including Osun, is a clear indication of its internal weaknesses. While Saraki's optimism about the party's chances of bouncing back is commendable, it remains to be seen whether the PDP can overcome its current challenges. The party's decision to hold its national convention in Abuja, despite the Supreme Court's involvement, is a bold move that could either pay off or backfire. Ultimately, the PDP's fate will be determined by its ability to present a united front and field strong candidates in the general elections.
