SPEECH BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT, DR. ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, AT THE ELECTIVE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) HELD INSIDE THE VELODROME OF THE MKO ABIOLA STADIUM, ABUJA ON MARCH 29TH – 30TH, 2026

1. PDP , Power to the People. From the spectacle I am seeing here, the people are truly in power here in our Party. This is actually the celebration of democracy. We are today celebrating the survival of our party after the recent storm.
2. We give all glory to Almighty Allah (SWT) for the grace of witnessing the events of today.Today’s gathering is an indication that our party is very much alive and kicking. We have started the restoration process and it will be anchored on RECONCILIATION, ACCOMMODATION, REPOSITIONING, AND REJUVENATION.
3. You will all recall that this is the second attempt by this party to hold a national convention in accordance with the guidelines of the electoral regulatory body. Our first attempt did not get INEC recognition. The Courts also went on to nullify that first attempt. Today appears different. INEC officials are here present. Our stakeholders are also here. Therefore the decisions taken here will be valid. The validity of today’s decisions will help the party to move on to the process of nominating candidates for all elective posts across the country in the 2027 polls. All our aspirants can be rest assured that they have a solid platform to realise ambitions. From now on, nobody will scare our aspirants and supporters away with the claim of uncertainty about whether we will field candidates in next year’ s election. No doubt that PDP will be on the ballot.
4. The benefit of having a platform that can produce validly nominated candidates for the 2027 polls has been the motivation for some of us to 0articioate in this National Convention. We know that if by any default, our dear party is unable to produce candidates in the next round of elections, then it means the party has been naturally laid to rest. By the grace of God, it will not be under our watch that this party will die through non participation in the general election.
5. Today, what we have achieved is sending a clear signal to doubting Thomases that the PDP is alive and kicking. We have created a viable platform for all our aspirants who have been spending money to build and sustain the party across the 774 LGAs in the country. The PDP is still there to help them achieve their goals and aspirations. I boldly say it that what is democracy in Nigeria without PDP. PDP epitomises democracy in Nigeria. This is the only party that can present a credible alternative for Nigerians.
6. However, this convention is a means to an end. It is not an end in itself. To achieve the end which is to win elections across board and provide alternative platform for our people, we need to walk strenuously, continuously, and consistently on the path of reconciliation.
7. While I congratulate all members of the new exco that has emerged from this National Convention, I charge them to know that their mandate is to go and win the 2027 elections for the PDP at all levels. They must not fail in this task. In fact, they must surprise everyone with a very successful outing for the party in next year’s elections.
8. To achieve success in the elections, our process of selecting candidates must be transparent, credible and rancour-free. They must avoid the pitfalls of the past and create a primary process that will make all contestants work for the success of the eventual candidates.
9. This new National Working Committee (NWC) must raise the bar on the Membership Registration Exercise. That exercise must be successful and create a template for increasing our numbers and having up to date figures.
10. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the organisers of this National Convention. This is a grand event. It is colourful. It is well organised. It rekindled the PDP of old. Kudos to Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the chairman of the 2026 Naional Convention Planning and Organising Committee and his team. I also appreciate the efforts of our chief host, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike who worked tirelessly to ensure we have a befitting convention. Well done to you all.
11. I thank all the delegates, leaders, stakeholders, observers, the INEC officials, security officials, and members of the Media who are here. I pray for journey mercies to all of you back to your respective bases. May God bless you all.
12. God bless PDP. God bless Nigeria. May God return power to our party for the general benefit of the Nigerian people.
13. PDP ! Power ! Power to the People, PDP.

Thank you all.