By Abasi Ita
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its planned national convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing unresolved legal and political disputes that could threaten the party’s cohesion and credibility.
Saraki made the appeal on Wednesday night through a statement on his official X (Twitter) handle following a meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, at his residence in Abuja.
Describing the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” the former Kwara State governor said discussions focused on pressing issues affecting the party’s unity, stability, and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Saraki expressed concern that despite sustained reconciliation efforts by party stakeholders, the forthcoming convention had been engulfed in political and legal controversies that could deepen existing divisions within the PDP.
He warned that multiple conflicting court orders over the validity of the convention pose serious risks to the legitimacy of its outcome.
“As it stands, there is no assurance that the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand,” Saraki stated. “Political matters are best settled amicably, not in courtrooms. Continued legal battles will only worsen the friction within our party.”
Saraki added that as a responsible leader, he could not endorse any process that might jeopardize the aspirations of members or further weaken the PDP’s internal structure.
To resolve the crisis, he urged the BoT to recommend the immediate formation of a Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs and restore confidence among members and aspirants.
“My advice to the BoT team is that the only viable solution now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee within the next two days. This will pave the way for genuine reconciliation and stability. It will also reassure members seeking to contest future elections under the PDP,” he said.
The former Senate President maintained that going ahead with the Ibadan convention under the current circumstances would amount to “a waste of effort” and could discourage serious aspirants from contesting on the PDP platform.
“No serious politician will contest under the PDP without clarity on whether their nomination will be valid. Proceeding with the convention now will only fuel the crisis,” he warned.
The PDP has recently faced escalating internal conflicts following suspensions and counter-suspensions between factions led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ordered a halt to the Ibadan convention, citing procedural irregularities. Despite this, the Damagum-led leadership insisted the event would proceed, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to stop it.
The internal feud has continued to polarize the party’s leadership and members, raising fresh concerns about its preparedness ahead of the next electoral cycle.