PDP crisis: Going ahead with convention in Ibadan “a waste of efforts”, says Saraki
Former Senate President and two-term Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, has described the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, from November 15 to 16, 2025, as a “waste of efforts.”
Saraki insisted that moving ahead with it would only deepen division and uncertainty within the party.
“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,” he declared.
He said the result may not stand due to what he described as “extensive political and legal controversies” surrounding it.
Saraki, who made his position known in a statement posted on his verified Facebook account on Wednesday, said the PDP risks plunging deeper into crisis if it proceeds with the Ibadan convention amid conflicting court orders and unresolved internal disputes.
According to him, the only viable path toward peace, stability, and credibility for the party is the immediate constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage its affairs pending a proper elective convention that reflects unity and legality.
“We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan. In summary, 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. This does not bode well for our party, and for Nigeria’s democracy in general.” Saraki said.
Saraki disclosed that the PDP is currently entangled in conflicting court judgments over the legality of the planned convention, raising fears that any outcome from the Ibadan meeting could later be invalidated by the courts.
“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,” he said.
The former Senate President stressed that legal battles over internal party matters are counterproductive and urged party leaders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.
“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 cautioned.
Saraki advised the Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakilin Adamawa), which had visited him for consultations, to urgently recommend the formation of a Caretaker Committee within 48 hours.
He said such a committee would provide a neutral structure to manage the party, reconcile aggrieved factions, and prepare the ground for a credible and inclusive national convention.
“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,” Saraki stated.
He further warned that without resolving the lingering crisis, the PDP risks losing the confidence of its members and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.
Saraki, who has been at the forefront of reconciliation efforts within the PDP since 2023, appealed to stakeholders to put the party’s unity above personal or factional interests, emphasising that the survival of Nigeria’s main opposition party depends on genuine compromise and dialogue.
