Former Senate President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has advised the party to suspend its planned National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, citing unresolved legal and political controversies that could further deepen internal divisions.
Saraki made this known when he received members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team of the PDP, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa), at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, the BOT delegation had requested the meeting to seek his opinion on how to restore peace within the party ahead of the convention. Saraki described the discussions as “meaningful and incisive,” focusing on issues critical to the unity and future of the PDP.
The former Senate President expressed concern that, despite the efforts of party stakeholders, the upcoming convention has become “mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal,” warning that the situation could undermine the stability of the party and Nigeria’s democratic process.
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“Political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. Affairs of political parties are best settled amicably with all sides seated around the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction,” Saraki said.
He noted that conflicting court orders currently cast doubt on the legality of the scheduled convention, making its conduct and outcome uncertain.
Saraki urged the BOT to take urgent steps toward reconciliation by establishing a Caretaker Committee within the next two days to oversee the party’s affairs pending resolution of the disputes.
“Going ahead with the National Convention as scheduled will only serve to further fuel the present crisis,” he cautioned. “It is not too late to find a win-win solution.”
The former Kwara State governor emphasized that the proposed Caretaker Committee would help stabilize the party, restore members’ confidence, and ensure that aspirants seeking to contest elections on the PDP platform are not subjected to legal uncertainties.
“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,” he stated.
Saraki reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability within the PDP, adding that he would not support any process that could jeopardize the aspirations of party members or weaken the party’s standing ahead of future elections.
