Saraki Urges PDP to Suspend Ibadan Convention, Calls for Caretaker Committee
By Ekanem ASUQUO
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. He said the decision was necessary because of the legal and political controversies currently surrounding the exercise.
Saraki made the appeal in a statement on his official X handle on Wednesday night after meeting with members of the PDP Board of Trustees Reconciliation Committee led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu at his residence in Abuja.
The former Kwara State governor described the meeting as meaningful and productive, explaining that discussions focused on ways to strengthen party unity and resolve ongoing internal disputes.
Saraki expressed concern that despite the efforts of committed stakeholders, the build-up to the convention had been marred by legal battles and political divisions that could further weaken the party’s foundation.
He noted that several conflicting court orders questioning the validity of the convention could undermine the legitimacy of its outcome.
“As it stands, there is no guarantee that the conduct and results of the convention will hold,” Saraki said. “Political disagreements are best resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not through the courts. Continuous litigation will only deepen the crisis.”
He added that as a responsible leader, he could not support any decision that might harm the collective aspirations of PDP members or threaten the stability of the party.
To this end, Saraki advised the Board of Trustees to immediately recommend the formation of a Caretaker Committee to manage the party’s affairs and restore confidence among members.
“My advice to the BoT team is that the only practical solution now is to establish a Caretaker Committee within the next two days. This step will help achieve true reconciliation and rebuild unity within the party,” he said.
Saraki warned that holding the Ibadan convention under the current conditions would be a waste of resources and could discourage credible aspirants from participating.
“No serious politician will contest under the PDP without assurance that their nomination will be valid,” he stated. “Proceeding with the convention in these circumstances will only worsen the crisis.”
The PDP has been grappling with internal conflict in recent weeks following a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions among top party officials. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum recently announced the suspension of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and others over alleged anti-party activities. In response, Anyanwu’s faction declared Damagum’s leadership illegal and announced his suspension, further deepening divisions.
Amid the chaos, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order stopping the planned convention over procedural irregularities. Despite the ruling, the party leadership maintained that the event would go ahead, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction.
The ongoing leadership struggle has left the PDP in a fragile state, with party members and observers expressing concern about its ability to unite ahead of future elections.
