Saraki Urges PDP to Suspend Ibadan Convention, Warns of Looming Crisis Over Court Battles

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, warning that proceeding amid ongoing legal disputes could plunge the party into deeper turmoil.

In a statement signed by Saraki after meeting with members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa), he called for the immediate formation of a Caretaker Committee to temporarily manage the party’s affairs and restore calm.

“It is clear that 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 efforts. It does not have my support,” Saraki declared.

The former Kwara State Governor lamented that despite the efforts of many loyal party members, the proposed convention had become entangled in political and legal controversies that threaten the unity of the PDP and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, conflicting court orders over the validity of the convention have created uncertainty around its legitimacy.
“As it stands, there are conflicting court orders in relation to the validity of the scheduled convention. As a result, there is no assurance as to whether the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand,” he said.

Saraki cautioned that political disputes should not be settled in courtrooms, stressing that only dialogue and reconciliation can guarantee lasting peace within the party.
“I made it clear to the BOT team that political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. 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.

Emphasizing his sense of duty to his constituents and the broader democratic system, Saraki stated:
“As a leader, on whose shoulder lies the political weight of the yearnings and aspirations of my people, I cannot in good conscience take or be part of any action that will jeopardize their aspirations.”

He therefore advised that a Caretaker Committee be constituted within two days to steer the PDP’s affairs, rebuild confidence among members, and pave the way for reconciliation.

“My advice to the BOT team is that the only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party for the time being. This must be done in the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the party,” he said.

Saraki added that such a step would reassure aspirants planning to contest on the party’s platform that their nominations would be valid and legally defensible.

He expressed optimism that the PDP could still find a “win-win solution” and unite ahead of the next general elections.