Bukola Saraki Rules Out 2027 Presidential Ambition While Defending Structural Integrity of Fragile PDP Opposition

Bukola Saraki confirms he won't contest the 2027 election, citing zoning fairness, while defending the PDP’s grassroots strength despite recent rifts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 6:07 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP Media Group

The Refusal of a Third Presidential Pursuit

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has formally distanced himself from the 2027 presidential race, ending months of speculation regarding his next political move. Appearing on Channels Television’s "Politics Today," the former Kwara State Governor stated that his decision is rooted in the democratic principle of regional equity. According to Saraki, it is only fair to allow the Southern region of Nigeria to complete a full eight year presidential term, a move he believes is necessary to maintain the delicate balance of the nation’s power sharing agreement.

Internal Critiques of the Ibadan Convention Failure

Addressing the deep seated divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party, Saraki offered a candid assessment of the tactical errors that led to the current impasse. He revealed that he had explicitly advised against holding the controversial convention in Ibadan, suggesting instead the formation of a neutral caretaker committee to oversee party affairs. According to Saraki, the decision by party leadership to ignore this recommendation was a pivotal mistake that directly accelerated the current crisis, creating avoidable friction between various high level stakeholders.

Grassroots Resilience Amidst Leadership Turbulence

Despite the visible rift at the national level, the former Senate President argued that the party’s foundational strength remains largely intact within local communities. He dismissed widespread narratives of an imminent collapse, asserting that the PDP remains a household name with significant brand equity across the country. According to his observations during recent state tours, the party's infrastructure at the grassroots level continues to function effectively, providing a ready made platform for prospective candidates who seek an alternative to the status quo.