Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has called on the Peoples Democratic Party to suspend its planned National Convention set for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned that proceeding amid conflicting court rulings and deep internal divisions could worsen the party’s crisis and threaten its future.
Saraki made his stance known shortly after receiving the PDP Board of Trustees Reconciliation Team, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, at his residence. The delegation sought his counsel on restoring peace and unity within the party. Describing the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” Saraki said the discussions addressed critical issues affecting the PDP’s stability.
“Despite the selfless efforts by some of us, the convention has become mired in political and legal controversies, which does not bode well for our party or Nigeria’s democracy,” Saraki stated. He emphasized that political disagreements are best resolved through dialogue rather than the courts, noting that the conflicting judgments over the convention’s legality had created significant uncertainty.
“As it stands, there are conflicting court orders on the convention. There’s no assurance its outcome will stand,” he said. Saraki made it clear that he could not support any process that might jeopardize party unity or the aspirations of its members. He urged the BOT to immediately establish a Caretaker Committee to manage the party temporarily, describing it as the only viable path to rebuild trust, instill confidence among members, and ensure fairness for those contesting elections on the PDP platform.
“Proceeding with the convention in its current state will only deepen the crisis. Going ahead in Ibadan will fuel tensions. It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution,” Saraki added.
The PDP has been engulfed in confusion ahead of the convention due to a wave of contradictory court rulings and internal disputes. On October 31, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja barred INEC from monitoring the convention, citing the party’s failure to meet statutory notice requirements.
Barely two weeks later, on November 11, another Abuja court led by Justice Peter Lifu also restrained the PDP and INEC from proceeding, following a challenge from former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido over his alleged exclusion from the chairmanship race. Meanwhile, an Ibadan High Court presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola extended an earlier order allowing the convention to proceed as long as the party adhered to its published guidelines. That ruling remains valid until November 14.
These contradictory judgments have split the party. One faction, loyal to acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, insists the convention will go ahead, while supporters of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike have warned members to stay away, claiming attendance could constitute contempt of court.
Despite the confusion, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba maintains the convention will hold as planned, accusing the ruling APC of attempting to destabilize the opposition. Analysts warn that the Ibadan convention could become a flashpoint unless urgent measures are taken to unify the party ahead of its crucial electoral battles.
