Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday called on the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across Kwara State to strengthen their grassroots structures, remain united and take ownership of their polling units ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He however said that he decided to remain in the PDP for the overall growth of Kwara and to advance more dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the rural populace in the state.

Saraki made the call in Ilorin during the PDP Kwara South Senatorial District stakeholders' meeting held at his Ilorin GRA, the state capital.

Those present included the party's governorship candidate, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu; Deputy Governorship Candidate, Rev. C.O.S. Fawenu; State Party Executives led by the State Chairman, Hon. Isa Adamu Bawa; party elders and other National Assembly candidates.

According to his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki commended the Kwara South stakeholders for their sacrifices, commitment and continued belief in the ideals of the PDP and the candidates that have emerged under its platform.

He thanked Almighty God for the emergence of the party's candidates, expressing confidence that they would provide purposeful leadership, put the interests of the people first and advance the development of Kwara State.

Saraki urged PDP members across the state to focus on strengthening the party from the grassroots, stressing that victory in 2027 would depend significantly on the commitment and organisation of members at their respective polling units.

"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 said.

The former Senate President said the party must draw valuable lessons from recent governorship elections in the country, particularly the elections in Osun and Ekiti States, stressing that political victories are increasingly shaped by effective grassroots mobilisation, organisation and the ability to connect with voters.

"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," Saraki said.

He further urged party members to remain committed to the collective cause, assuring them that their loyalty, hard work and contributions to strengthening the party would always be recognised within the democratic process.

"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.

Saraki expressed confidence in the PDP's prospects in the state, saying the party's objective was to provide a government that would serve the people and promote the overall development of Kwara.

He said the collective effort of members, combined with the strength of the party's candidates and grassroots structures, would position the PDP for victory in 2027.

"The next Governor of Kwara State shall be the one flying the PDP flag," Saraki declared.

He also assured 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, stressing that the struggle was about the people and the advancement of Kwara State.

Explaining his decision to remain in the PDP despite developments in the political space, Saraki said his commitment was ultimately driven by his responsibility to the people of Kwara. "My staying back in PDP is for my people in Kwara," he said.