Former Senate President Bukola Saraki says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan does not have his support.
The former Kwara governor spoke on Wednesday while
addressing the growing tension ahead of the event.
He added that lingering disputes over the convention are
undermining efforts to restore unity within the opposition.
His comments come amid conflicting court rulings — some
halting, others permitting the event to proceed.
A federal high court in Abuja had stopped the PDP from
holding the elective convention.
But on November 4, an Oyo state high court directed the
party and Umar Damagum, acting national chairman, to go ahead with
preparations.
Another federal high court in Abuja, however, issued a fresh
order on November 11 barring the party from conducting the convention or having
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervise or recognise its
outcome.
On Wednesday, the Damagum-led national working committee
(NWC) of the PDP reiterated that the party would not postpone the convention.
Speaking after meeting with members of the party’s board of
trustees (BoT) reconciliation team, led by Hassan Adamu, Nigeria’s former
ambassador to the United States, Saraki said the conflicting judgments have
thrown the PDP into deeper uncertainty.
According to him, the peace meeting in Abuja was “meaningful
and incisive”, as participants discussed ways to rescue the party from its
internal strife.
“I expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless and
arduous efforts by some of us, the Convention has become mired in extensive
controversy, both political and legal,” the ex-Kwara governor said.
“This does not bode well for not only our party, but for
Nigeria’s democracy in general.
“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.
“As it stands, the fact is that 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.
“As a leader, on whose shoulder lies the political weight of
the yearnings and aspiration of my people, I cannot in all good conscience take
or be part of any action that will jeopardise their aspirations.”
‘CARETAKER COMMITTEE NEEDED FOR RECONCILIATION’
Saraki also advised the BoT team to recommend the immediate
formation of a caretaker committee to temporarily manage the party’s affairs.
He said the interim leadership should be constituted “within
the next two days” to help rebuild trust and ensure the PDP remains a credible
platform for aspirants in future elections.
“In the current situation, no serious politician will risk
contesting on a platform whose nominations could later be nullified,” he
warned.
Saraki maintained that holding the Ibadan convention “will
only worsen the crisis”.
“It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention
in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the present
crisis,” he added.
“Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is
a waste of efforts. It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a
win-win solution.”
LEADERSHIP CRISIS
The PDP has been mired in fresh leadership turmoil following
a wave of suspensions between rival factions.
The Damagum-led NWC recently suspended Samuel Anyanwu,
national secretary; Kamaldeen Ajibade, national legal adviser; Okechukwu
Osuoha, deputy legal adviser; and Umaru Bature, national organising secretary.
In a retaliatory move, the Anyanwu faction — backed by
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) — suspended
Damagum, Debo Ologunagba, national publicity secretary; Taofeek Arapaja, deputy
national chairman (south); Daniel Woyenguikoro, national financial secretary;
Sulaiman Kadade, national youth leader; and Setonji Koshoedo, deputy national
secretary.
Anyanwu’s camp subsequently appointed Abdulrahman Mohammed
as acting national chairman, claiming the move was aimed at restoring
legitimacy to the party’s leadership.
Last week, Mohammed declared himself acting chairman at the
PDP national secretariat and announced the suspension of the convention.
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