By Toheeb Omotayo
Former Senate President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bukola Saraki, has urged party members across Kwara State and the country to take full advantage of the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing it as the critical first step toward securing electoral victory in 2027.
The registration exercise is scheduled to begin on August 18, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at his Ilorin residence on Tuesday, Saraki emphasized that active participation in the CVR is not only a civic duty but also a strategic political move.
He charged members to mobilise family, friends, and neighbours to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), warning that only registered voters would have the power to bring about change in the next election cycle.
“The voter registration beginning on August 18 is a crucial exercise. It marks the start of the electoral process, and we must treat it with the seriousness it deserves. Every PDP member, supporter, and sympathiser must see this as a top priority,” Saraki said, adding that without widespread voter registration, the party’s electoral ambitions could be undermined before campaigns even begin.
Saraki also addressed the recent speculations surrounding his political involvement, particularly his role in the national reconciliation process of the PDP.
He told the stakeholders that his engagement in these efforts is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, assuring them that he remained fully committed to ensuring unity and cohesion within the PDP at all levels.
He praised the Kwara State PDP for its impressive performance in the last membership registration drive, describing the state as a model for grassroots mobilisation across the country. According to him, Kwara PDP’s structure has become a reference point within the party for organisation and discipline.
Also speaking at the event, Kwara State PDP Chairman, Rt. Hon. Babatunde Mohammed (rtd), reaffirmed the party’s unity and resilience in the face of political opposition.
He maintained that the PDP remained the leading opposition party in the state and nationally, stating that it was well-positioned to reclaim power if it maintained focus and solidarity.
The meeting ended with a unanimous resolution among party leaders and members to embark on aggressive voter sensitisation campaigns across all wards and local governments.
Saraki assured stakeholders of continued support and reiterated his confidence that with early and consistent mobilisation, the PDP stands a strong chance of regaining lost ground in Kwara and beyond.
