As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, two key figures within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State have called on PDP stakeholders to unite and revitalise the party in order to offer a clear, hopeful path for Nigeria’s future.
The two leaders made the appeal on Wednesday during the inauguration and unveiling of the Board of Governors of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) in Abuja.
The event marked a significant step towards rejuvenating the PDP’s ideological direction ahead of the upcoming elections.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, emphasised that Nigerians now have a clearer understanding of the stark differences between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP. He stressed that the party must offer more than just a political alternative; it must provide a robust vision and direction for the country.
“As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP has to provide real hope for Nigeria,” Makinde said.
“By revitalising the PDI, we are taking steps to provide that hope for our people.”
Makinde underscored that Nigeria is in dire need of a party with a strong ideological foundation that can offer direction.
He also acknowledged the legacy of the PDI, which was initially established by former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo and other leaders, as a think tank that could help define the party’s ideological future.
Reflecting on his own journey with the PDP, Governor Makinde noted the importance of offering real leadership and expressed his gratitude for the support he had received from the party, which allowed him to secure two consecutive mandates as governor.
He pledged to continue working towards strengthening the PDP, stressing that a strong party would eventually lead to a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
“The PDP is the only party in Nigeria that has allowed youth to be part of a political institution, and I believe the PDI will only expand that space,” Makinde said.
“We can and will fix Nigeria. We’ll fix the PDP, and then the PDP will fix Nigeria.”
“Build Ideas, Not Ambition” – Saraki
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki echoed Governor Makinde’s sentiments, calling for the party to return to its ideological roots.
He reminded stakeholders that political parties are built on ideas, philosophies, and policies, not on individual ambition.
Saraki called for an end to the current focus on political positions and elections for 2027, urging PDP members to focus on the long-term vision of the party.
“We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas,” Saraki stressed.
“Let us move away from building ideas based on personal ambition. Let us focus on building a party based on principles and policies that will benefit Nigerians.”
Saraki also warned against the temptation to focus too early on the specifics of the 2027 race, including which candidates might run for president, governor, or other offices. Instead, he called for the party to prioritise its internal rebuilding and ideological development as the foundation for future success.
With the 2027 elections looming, both Senator Saraki and Governor Makinde have made a compelling case for the PDP to return to its ideological roots and unite around a common vision for the country.
The revitalization of the PDI and a renewed focus on policy and ideas, rather than personal ambition, will be central to the party’s success in the coming years.
As the PDP gears up for the challenges ahead, the calls for unity, ideological clarity, and strategic vision are likely to define the party’s approach to the 2027 polls and perhaps shape the future of Nigerian politics.
