From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has charged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, to take ownership of their polling units and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Saraki gave the charge on Thursday at a PDP Kwara South Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held at his residence in Ilorin, where he also explained that his decision to remain in the opposition party was driven by his commitment to the people of Kwara.
The former Senate President, according to a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, said the party’s chances in the 2027 elections, would largely depend on the strength of its grassroots structures and the ability of members to mobilise voters at the polling-unit level.
“Hold your base and polling units. That is what the party requires from everyone. Our collective commitment and resolve will do the job. Ensure you do everything possible at your polling units,” he told party members.
The meeting was attended by the PDP governorship candidate, Engr. Sulaiman Kawu; Deputy Governorship Candidate, Rev. C.O.S. Fawenu; state party executives led by the Chairman, Hon. Isa Bawa; party elders and other National Assembly candidates.
Saraki commended members of the Kwara South Senatorial District, for their sacrifices, loyalty and continued commitment to the PDP, saying their efforts remained critical to the party’s future in the state.
He also expressed confidence in the party’s candidates, saying their emergence provided the platform for the PDP to offer purposeful leadership and place the interests of Kwarans at the centre of governance.
The former Senate President urged party members to study the outcome of recent governorship elections, particularly in Osun and Ekiti states, and apply the lessons to the political terrain in Kwara.
“We have lessons to learn from Osun and Ekiti governorship elections. We must understand what happened, learn from it and apply those lessons. Every member has a role to play, and we must ensure that our structures at the polling-unit level are strong, active and ready,” he said.
Saraki further assured members that their sacrifices and contributions to the party would not be forgotten, urging them to remain united and committed to the collective struggle.
“Our political family values the commitment and sacrifices of its members. What is important is that nobody who has contributed to strengthening our collective effort will be forgotten. We must continue to build together and ensure that the party remains strong,” he said.
He said the PDP’s objective was not merely to win elections but to form a government that would serve the people and accelerate the development of Kwara State.
Expressing optimism about the party’s prospects in 2027, Saraki declared: “The next Governor of Kwara State shall be the one flying the PDP flag.”
He urged party members to remain focused on strengthening the PDP at the grassroots, stressing that effective organisation, unity and sustained engagement with voters would be decisive in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections.
Saraki also assured loyal party members that those who remained committed to the PDP and its collective mission would continue to have a place in the party’s future, saying the political struggle was ultimately about the welfare and advancement of the people of Kwara State.
