Former Senate President and two-term Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has declared impartiality regarding candidates vying for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking at an Eid-el-Kabir celebration hosted at his Government Reservation Area (GRA) residence in Ilorin on Thursday, Dr. Saraki-who chairs PDP's Way Forward Committee-stressed that all aspirants will receive a "level playing field" during the party's primaries.

He explicitly stated: "I will not impose any candidate. All governorship aspirants must compete fairly and avoid portraying themselves as my nominees or seeking endorsements through underhand means."

The event, attended by PDP leaders, women's caucuses, youths, and supporters from across the state's 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs), also featured free medical services for attendees. Dr. Saraki used the gathering to reinforce his commitment to transparent and merit-based party processes.

He urged the aspirants to go to their wards and seek support, adding that they should avoid the use of money to woo members of the party, but redirect their campaign resources from lobbying party leaders to community development, like fixing boreholes, supporting schools, or helping the youth.

Saraki charged party elders to shun the practice of collecting money from aspirants, and called for a culture where leaders demanded accountability and community-oriented actions from those seeking office.

Saraki urged the aspirants to commence political mobilisation at the grassroots by encouraging them to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the electoral success of the party in the state and at the national level.

Looking ahead with optimism come 2027 in Kwara State, Saraki declared, "The next Eid-el-Kabir celebration would mark the end of PDP's time in opposition in Kwara State.

"We have only one more Ileya to celebrate as opposition, Insha Allah. By the next one after that, we shall be celebrating in Government House.

"I thank the party members, especially the women groups, for their steadfastness, resilience, and commitment to the party's cause, despite the challenges. Your unwavering dedication is a source of inspiration and a clear sign that victory is near."

The former senate president added, "The PDP is committed to rescuing the state from poor governance and repositioning it for the benefit of all Kwarans."