Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing unresolved political and legal disputes that could undermine the party’s stability.
Saraki made the appeal on Wednesday after receiving members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa), at his residence. The delegation had visited him to seek his input on efforts to restore peace and unity within the party.
Describing the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” the former Senate President said discussions centered on the controversies threatening the national convention and the broader divisions within the PDP. He lamented that despite the sacrifices of dedicated stakeholders, the convention had become entangled in political and legal wrangling, which, according to him, posed grave risks to the party’s future and to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Saraki cautioned that political disagreements should not be settled through litigation, noting that court actions only deepen divisions. “Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably, with all sides seated around the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction,” he said.
Expressing concern over conflicting court rulings on the validity of the scheduled convention, Saraki warned that there was no assurance the event’s conduct or outcomes would be legally sustainable. “As a leader, I cannot in good conscience participate in any action that may jeopardize the aspirations of my people,” he added.
The former Senate President advised the BOT to urgently constitute a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs temporarily, describing such a step as the best route toward reconciliation and renewed confidence among members. “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 stand,” he cautioned.
Saraki further warned that going ahead with the Ibadan convention as planned would worsen existing divisions. “Proceeding with the National Convention in Ibadan will only fuel the current crisis. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution. Going ahead as scheduled is a waste of effort and lacks my support,” he concluded.
