Proceeding with Ibadan Convention could jeopardise Nigeria’s democracy – Saraki warns PDP

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has weighed in on the controversies surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan.

In a statement shared on his X handle, Saraki said he met with members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team, led by Amb. Hassan Adamu, to discuss possible ways to restore peace within the party. He described the meeting as “meaningful and incisive,” covering critical issues affecting the party.

Saraki expressed deep concern over the political and legal controversies surrounding the convention, warning that continuing with it under the current circumstances could jeopardise both the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

He emphasised that political matters are best resolved amicably and not through legal battles, noting the conflicting court orders affecting the convention’s validity.

“As it stands, there is no assurance as to whether the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand,” he said.

Highlighting the impact on party members with electoral ambitions, Saraki advised the BOT team to establish a Caretaker Committee within the next two days to manage party affairs temporarily.

He argued that this would promote reconciliation, stability, and confidence for members intending to contest elections on the PDP platform.

“Going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the present crisis.”

“Therefore, proceeding as scheduled is a waste of efforts. It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution,” Saraki added.

The former Senate leader’s intervention underscores the need for internal dialogue within the PDP to resolve disputes and ensure a credible and unified path forward.

Full Statement Reads:

On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure to receive members of the BOT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested for a meeting in order to seek my opinion on the possible ways of restoring peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed.

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 not only our party, but for Nigeria’s democracy in general.

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.

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.

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

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. It is also the best way to give confidence to our members who intend to contest elections on the PDP platform. In the present circumstance, 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.

It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 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. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution

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