Bukola Saraki PDP convention warning: ex-Senate President advises party to suspend Ibadan event over court disputes and internal divisions

Bukola Saraki PDP convention controversy deepened on Wednesday night as the former Senate President advised the Peoples Democratic Party to suspend its planned national convention scheduled for 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Dr Saraki made the call in a statement posted on his official X handle after meeting with the Board of Trustees Reconciliation Committee, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu.

The committee had visited him to seek his views on restoring peace and stability within the opposition party.

Describing the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” the former Kwara State governor said discussions centred on the party’s internal disputes and the urgent need to rebuild unity.

He expressed concern that despite “selfless and arduous efforts” by several leaders, the forthcoming convention had become mired in political and legal wrangling.

According to Saraki, these disputes threaten both the legitimacy of the exercise and the credibility of the PDP itself.

“As it stands, there is no assurance that the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand,” Saraki warned.

“Political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. The affairs of political parties are best settled amicably with all sides at the table.”

Saraki further cautioned that the existence of conflicting court orders over the validity of the convention poses “serious risks” to the party’s cohesion and electoral readiness.

To avert a deeper crisis, he urged the Board of Trustees to immediately establish a Caretaker Committee within two days to manage party affairs and rebuild confidence among members and aspirants. “This is the path to true reconciliation and stability,” he said.

The former Senate President warned that proceeding with the Ibadan convention “will only serve to further fuel the present crisis” and deter serious aspirants from contesting under the PDP platform.

His intervention comes amid an intensifying leadership battle within the party.

The National Working Committee led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum recently suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and others for alleged anti-party activities.

Anyanwu’s faction responded by suspending Damagum and several committee members, deepening internal fractures.

Adding to the turmoil, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order halting the convention over procedural irregularities, though the party leadership has vowed to proceed, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction.

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For now, Saraki’s appeal adds a powerful voice to mounting calls for restraint — and may prove decisive in shaping the PDP’s path toward reconciliation or further division ahead of 2026’s electoral calendar.