Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its planned national convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing ongoing legal and political controversies.
Saraki made the call via his official X (Twitter) handle on Wednesday night following a meeting with members of the Board of Trustees Reconciliation Committee, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, who visited him at his Abuja residence to seek his views on restoring peace within the party.
Describing the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” Saraki noted that discussions focused on pressing issues affecting the PDP’s unity and stability. He expressed concern that despite the “selfless and arduous efforts” of some leaders, the convention has been engulfed in political and legal wrangling, which he warned could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Saraki highlighted the risks posed by conflicting court orders regarding the convention’s validity:
“As it stands, there is no assurance that the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand. Political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts… Legal battles will only continue to cause friction.”
He urged the BoT to recommend the immediate establishment of a Caretaker Committee to manage party affairs, restore confidence, and reassure prospective candidates:
“The only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee within the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the party.”
Saraki warned that proceeding with the Ibadan convention under current circumstances would fuel the crisis and render the exercise ineffective. He added:
“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.”
The PDP crisis intensified in recent weeks following internal suspensions and counter-suspensions involving key figures. The National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, had suspended the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and others over alleged anti-party activities. Anyanwu’s faction responded by dismissing the decision as illegal and suspending Damagum and some NWC members, deepening divisions.
Compounding the situation, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order halting the PDP’s convention over procedural irregularities. Despite the ruling, party leadership insisted it would proceed, claiming the court lacked jurisdiction.
Saraki’s advice underscores the urgent need for reconciliation and stable leadership ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
