Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing unresolved legal and political crises that could jeopardize the party’s unity and legitimacy.
In a statement released via his official X (Twitter) handle on Wednesday night, Saraki made the appeal shortly after meeting with members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu at his Abuja residence. The delegation had visited him to gather insights on restoring stability and peace within the embattled opposition party.
Describing the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” Saraki said discussions centered on the pressing challenges confronting the PDP, particularly those threatening its cohesion and credibility ahead of the national convention.
He expressed deep concern that despite the “selfless and arduous efforts” of some party leaders to settle internal disputes, the planned convention had become entangled in legal and political wrangling. According to him, these developments “do not augur well for Nigeria’s democracy” and could ultimately undermine the party’s standing.
Saraki cautioned that conflicting court orders regarding the convention’s validity posed serious risks to the legitimacy of any resolutions or leadership outcomes that might emerge.
He stated, “As it stands, there is no assurance that the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand. Political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. The affairs of political parties are best settled amicably with all sides at the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction.”
The former Kwara State governor maintained that as a responsible party leader, he could not endorse any process that might jeopardize the PDP’s stability or derail the ambitions of its members.
To salvage the situation, Saraki recommended that the BoT urgently propose the formation of a Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs and rebuild members’ confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He emphasized, “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 within the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the party. It will also reassure members who wish to contest elections under the PDP platform.”
Saraki further warned that proceeding with the Ibadan convention despite unresolved disputes would “only serve to deepen the present crisis” and amount to a “waste of effort.”
“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 be valid or declared null and void,” he added. “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. Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is a waste of effort. It does not have my support.”
Saraki’s comments come amid an escalating internal crisis within the PDP. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum had recently announced the suspension of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and others for alleged anti-party activities.
In retaliation, the Anyanwu-led faction dismissed the suspensions as illegal and, in turn, announced the suspension of Damagum and several NWC members. This move further exposed the deepening rift within the party.
Adding to the confusion, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order halting the convention, citing procedural irregularities in the event’s preparation. Nevertheless, the PDP leadership vowed to proceed, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to interfere in the party’s internal affairs.
With these developments, many observers fear the PDP risks further fragmentation at a time when the party needs unity to effectively position itself as Nigeria’s main opposition force.
What You Should Know
Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President and prominent PDP leader, has called on the party to suspend its national convention planned for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan due to ongoing legal battles and internal divisions.
He urged the formation of a Caretaker Committee within 48 hours to stabilize the party and restore confidence among its members.
The PDP has been embroiled in leadership crises marked by suspensions, counter-suspensions, and conflicting court rulings, raising doubts about the convention’s legitimacy.
