Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has called for the suspension of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, citing unresolved political and legal disputes surrounding the exercise.
Saraki made the call after receiving members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa), at his residence on Wednesday. The team had sought his views on ways to restore peace and unity within the party.
Describing the meeting as meaningful and incisive, Saraki said discussions focused on controversies threatening the convention and broader issues affecting the stability of the PDP. He expressed regret that despite the selfless efforts of party stakeholders, the convention had become mired in political and legal disputes, which he said did not bode well for the PDP or Nigeria’s democracy.
The former Senate President cautioned that political issues should not be resolved through court actions, as such approaches only deepen divisions. “Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably with all sides seated round the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction,” he said.
Saraki also raised concern over conflicting court orders regarding the validity of the scheduled convention, noting that there was no assurance its conduct or outcome would stand. “As a leader, I cannot in all good conscience take or be part of any action that will jeopardize the aspirations of my people,” he added.
He urged the BOT to immediately set up a caretaker committee to steer the party’s affairs temporarily, describing it as the best path to reconciliation and stability. According to him, such a committee would help rebuild confidence among members and aspirants intending to contest on the PDP platform.
“In the present circumstance, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP, not knowing whether his or her nomination will be valid or declared null and void,” Saraki warned.
He concluded by saying that proceeding with the Ibadan convention as planned would only worsen the crisis. “Going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan will only serve to further fuel the present crisis. Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is a waste of effort. It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution,” he stated.
