In a resounding endorsement that underscores the evolving dynamics of Nigerian politics, former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has extended his heartfelt commendation to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State for the exemplary execution of its local government congresses across all 16 local government areas. This pivotal event, which unfolded seamlessly over the weekend, has not only solidified the party's internal structures but also reignited hopes for a robust opposition capable of challenging the status quo in the nation's political landscape. Saraki's statement, meticulously crafted and disseminated by his trusted press officer on local matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, on Sunday, paints a vivid picture of a party reborn through the fires of democratic rigor and inclusivity.
At its core, the congresses represented far more than a mere procedural formality; they embodied the PDP's unwavering commitment to the cardinal principles of inclusiveness, fairness, and internal democracy. In an era where political parties across Nigeria are often marred by factionalism, allegations of imposition, and shadowy dealings, the Kwara PDP's approach stood out as a masterclass in grassroots empowerment. Delegates from every corner of the state—farmers from the verdant fields of Ifelodun, traders from the bustling markets of Ilorin South, and educators from the academic hubs of Asa—gathered not in discord, but in a symphony of shared purpose. The outcomes of these deliberations have, in Saraki's view, strategically positioned the PDP as a credible alternative, one poised to dismantle the entrenched inefficiencies of the current administration and restore the golden era of good governance that once defined Kwara's trajectory under progressive leadership.
Saraki's words, delivered with the gravitas befitting a statesman who has navigated the treacherous waters of national politics for over two decades, resonate deeply: “The PDP has once again shown that it is the party that provides a level playing field and prioritizes the will of the people.” This assertion is no hollow rhetoric. It draws from the tangible realities observed during the congresses, where aspirants vied for positions not through financial muscle or ethnic patronage, but through eloquent pitches rooted in community needs. In Oke-Ero Local Government Area, for instance, a young female aspirant, hailing from a lineage of local activists, clinched the chairmanship slot after articulating a vision for youth empowerment and agricultural revitalization—a nod to Kwara's agrarian backbone. Similarly, in Irepodun, where mining communities have long grappled with environmental degradation, the elected executives emerged from debates that foregrounded sustainable development, echoing the PDP's national manifesto on resource equity.
The maturity displayed during these Kwara State congresses, Saraki emphasized, serves as a microcosm of the PDP's broader national character—a party that, despite the scars of electoral defeats and internal skirmishes, refuses to descend into the chaos that has plagued rivals. This is particularly poignant in Kwara, a state often dubbed the "Home of the Rock" for its unyielding political resilience, yet one that has witnessed seismic shifts since the 2019 general elections. Saraki, who once helmed the state's governance as its two-term governor from 2003 to 2011, has long been a polarizing yet influential figure. His tenure was marked by landmark infrastructure projects, including the dualization of key roads in Ilorin and the establishment of the Kwara State University, initiatives that propelled the state from relative obscurity to a hub of economic potential. The 2019 upset, where his political machinery was upended by a coalition backed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), left a bitter aftertaste, but it also forged a PDP tempered in adversity.
Today, as Saraki surveys the political horizon, his confidence in the PDP's resurgence is palpable. He envisions a party infused with renewed energy and unity, one that will inexorably reclaim its rightful place at the helm of Kwara's leadership. This optimism is not unfounded. The congresses' success has injected a fresh vigor into the party's veins, with newly elected executives emerging as torchbearers for a grassroots revolution. In Baruten, the northernmost local government with its vast expanses of savanna and border trade with Benin Republic, the congress saw aspirants commit to bolstering cross-border security and economic ties—priorities that align seamlessly with Saraki's longstanding advocacy for regional integration. Across the state, from the riverine communities of Patigi to the urban sprawl of Ilorin West, the elected officials have pledged to fortify the PDP's foundational structures, ensuring that every ward feels the pulse of the party's ambitions.
Saraki's praise extended beyond the party's foot soldiers to encompass the delegates, aspirants, and stakeholders whose maturity and sense of responsibility were the bedrock of this triumph. In a political culture where tempers can flare over the slightest perceived slight, the absence of violence or acrimony was nothing short of miraculous. Picture the scene in Moro Local Government Area: under the sweltering afternoon sun, hundreds converged at the party secretariat, their discussions punctuated not by shouts but by nods of agreement. Aspirants who fell short graciously conceded, framing their "defeats" as stepping stones to future victories. This peaceful denouement, Saraki noted, stands as irrefutable evidence of the PDP family's resilience—a familial bond forged in the crucibles of shared struggles, from the anti-corruption crusades of the Obasanjo era to the resilient opposition against the Buhari administration's policies.
No encomium would be complete without acknowledging the external pillars that upheld this edifice of democracy. Saraki was effusive in his gratitude toward the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the federal body tasked with overseeing electoral integrity. INEC's officials, stationed at polling units across Kwara's diverse terrains—from the hilly outposts of Ekiti to the flood-prone lowlands of Kaiama—ensured that accreditation processes were swift and tamper-proof. Their deployment of biometric verification tools and real-time monitoring mitigated the ghosts of past electoral malfeasances, allowing the congresses to proceed with the transparency that INEC's mandate demands. Security agencies, too, deserve a standing ovation. Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and even elements of the Nigerian Army maintained a vigilant yet unobtrusive presence, their patrols a subtle reminder of the state's commitment to order without overreach. In an age where election-related violence has scarred Nigeria's democracy—from the bloodied streets of Rivers State to the tensions in Lagos—the serene atmosphere in Kwara was a testament to inter-agency synergy.
The media, that fourth estate of the realm, also drew Saraki's applause for their role in amplifying the event's credibility. Local outlets like Radio Kwara and Sobi FM provided live coverage, dissecting proceedings with journalistic rigor, while national dailies such as The Punch and Vanguard dispatched correspondents to capture the nuances. Social media influencers, wielding their digital megaphones, live-streamed sessions, democratizing access for Kwarans in the diaspora. This collective vigilance ensured that every vote cast was a vote witnessed, every aspiration voiced was an aspiration validated. In Saraki's estimation, these contributions transformed what could have been a routine party affair into a showcase of orderly, participatory governance.
As the dust settles on these congresses, Saraki's message to the newly elected local government executives is both a charge and a clarion call. He urged them to perceive their victories not as personal laurels but as summons to selfless service. In the PDP's playbook, leadership is not about the trappings of office— the official vehicles or the ceremonial robes—but about nurturing the party's grassroots architecture. This means investing in ward-level mobilization, where the real battles for hearts and minds are won. It entails bridging the urban-rural divide, ensuring that the aspirations of a fisherman in Edu Local Government carry equal weight to those of a civil servant in Ilorin East. For these executives, the mandate is clear: fortify the PDP's presence in every polling unit, every community hall, every youth forum. By doing so, they will cultivate a network resilient enough to weather the storms of upcoming electoral contests.
The ripple effects of this success transcend Kwara's borders, signaling a broader renaissance for the PDP nationwide. In a nation weary of economic hardships—skyrocketing inflation, naira devaluation, and the perennial fuel scarcity—these congresses emerge as a beacon of hope. Nigerians, from the teeming megacity of Lagos to the ancient walls of Kano, are rediscovering faith in the PDP as a platform untainted by the complacencies of incumbency. Saraki's vision for 2027 is audacious yet grounded: a PDP-led resurgence that restores fiscal prudence, invests in human capital, and champions equitable resource distribution. Kwara's triumph is thus not an isolated victory but a harbinger, whispering to opposition forces across the federation that unity begets strength, and democracy, when practiced earnestly, yields dividends.
To fully appreciate this moment, one must contextualize it within Saraki's storied political odyssey. Born into the influential Saraki dynasty—son of Dr. Olusola Saraki, the original "Waziri of Ilorin"—Bukola entered politics with an MBA from the London School of Economics and a stint as a special assistant in the banking sector. His governorship era was a whirlwind of reforms: the Kwara State Social Insurance Scheme, which extended healthcare to the indigent; the Ilorin Ultra-Modern International Conference Centre, a symbol of architectural audacity; and agricultural interventions that boosted rice production, earning Kwara the moniker "Nigeria's Food Basket." As Senate President from 2015 to 2019, Saraki's tenure was defined by bold moves, including the landmark Electoral Act amendments that sought to sanitize Nigeria's voting processes. His defection from the APC to the PDP in 2018, amid thunderous applause from opposition ranks, was a seismic event that reshaped alliances.
Yet, Saraki's narrative is one of reinvention. Post-2019, he has pivoted toward philanthropy, channeling resources into education through the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, which has sponsored thousands of scholarships, and health initiatives like free medical outreaches in underserved areas. His influence in Kwara remains undiminished, as evidenced by the throngs that rally to his cause. The PDP congresses, under his subtle stewardship, reflect this enduring clout—a party apparatus recalibrated to harness his strategic acumen.
Looking ahead, the implications for 2027 are profound. With President Bola Tinubu's administration grappling with multifaceted crises—from insecurity in the North-East to economic reforms that have squeezed the middle class—the PDP's disciplined congresses position it as the antidote. In Kwara, where the APC's grip has faltered amid accusations of unfulfilled promises, the PDP's unity could tip the scales. Saraki's endorsement is a rallying cry, urging Kwarans to envision a return to visionary governance: roads that don't crumble after one rainy season, schools equipped with digital libraries, and markets humming with affordable goods.
Critics might dismiss this as partisan boosterism, pointing to the PDP's national frailties—lingering godfatherism in some states, funding shortfalls. Yet, the Kwara model challenges such cynicism. Here, internal democracy wasn't imposed from Abuja's marbled corridors but bloomed organically, rooted in local sensibilities. Stakeholders like Chief Sunday Fagbemi, a PDP elder statesman, echoed Saraki's sentiments, noting how the congresses healed old rifts from the 2023 polls. Aspirants, too, have shared testimonials: one from Offa described the process as "liberating," free from the "dollar-rain" inducements that taint other parties.
As Nigeria hurtles toward another electoral cycle, Saraki's commendation serves as a blueprint. It reminds us that politics, at its best, is about people— their voices amplified, their choices honored. The PDP in Kwara has not just elected executives; it has elected hope, a hope that with diligence, could cascade into national transformation. In the words of Saraki, this is the party's "growing confidence" manifesting—a signal that 2027 might yet witness the phoenix rise from the ashes of disillusionment.
In closing, the echoes of these congresses will linger, inspiring not just Kwarans but a generation of politicians to prioritize substance over spectacle. Saraki's voice, steady and assured, cuts through the din: the PDP is back, not with vengeance, but with vision. And in that vision lies the promise of a Nigeria where democracy is not a seasonal ritual, but an enduring legacy.
