Saraki Urges PDP to Halt Ibadan Convention, Warns It Could Deepen Party Crisis

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its planned National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, warning that proceeding amid unresolved legal disputes could plunge the party into deeper turmoil.

In a statement signed by him after a meeting with the Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa), Saraki urged the PDP to constitute a Caretaker Committee to temporarily manage its affairs and restore calm.

He described the controversies surrounding the convention as regrettable, noting that despite the commitment of many loyal party members, the process had become “mired in both political and legal uncertainty.”

“It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025, 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 stated.

The former Kwara State Governor expressed concern over conflicting court orders related to the convention, warning that no one could guarantee the legitimacy of its conduct or outcomes.

“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 maintained that internal political disputes should not be settled through court battles but through dialogue and consensus among party stakeholders.

“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 added.

He explained that his stance was guided by a sense of responsibility to protect the interests of his constituents and safeguard democratic stability.

“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,” he stated.

Saraki recommended that the PDP set up a Caretaker Committee within two days to steer the party, rebuild trust among members, and create an atmosphere conducive to 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.

He added that such a move would assure aspirants that their nominations and political ambitions under the PDP would remain valid and legally defensible.

Saraki expressed optimism that with sincere dialogue and unity, the PDP could still find a win-win path forward and rebuild cohesion ahead of future elections.

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