Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has urged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its proposed National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan from November 15 to 16, 2025, cautioning that proceeding with it amid unresolved court cases and internal disputes could worsen the party’s existing divisions.

Saraki, in a statement issued after meeting with members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Reconciliation Team led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa), advised the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to manage its affairs temporarily while reconciliation efforts continue.

According to him, the planned convention, which was intended to reposition the party, has instead become a source of political and legal controversy capable of undermining the PDP’s credibility and democratic values.

“It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan will only deepen the existing crisis within our great party,” Saraki warned. “Given the conflicting court orders on the matter, no one can guarantee the legitimacy of the convention or its outcome.”

The former Kwara State Governor expressed concern that the party’s internal disagreements were being dragged into the courts, describing it as an unhealthy trend that could weaken internal democracy. He emphasized that only dialogue and mutual understanding could bring lasting peace to the PDP.

“I told the BOT team that political conflicts cannot be settled in courtrooms. The affairs of political parties should be resolved through dialogue, not litigation. Court judgments may provide temporary relief but not lasting reconciliation,” he noted.

Saraki stressed that his position was guided by a sense of responsibility to safeguard the political interests of his constituents and protect the integrity of the democratic process. He warned that ignoring the current warning signs could endanger the party’s future prospects.

He, therefore, recommended the immediate constitution of a Caretaker Committee within two days to restore confidence, rebuild unity, and ensure that upcoming party primaries and nominations are conducted within the bounds of legality.

“This is the only credible way forward,” Saraki insisted. “A properly constituted Caretaker Committee will restore stability, give hope to members, and guarantee that our candidates’ nominations are legitimate and defensible in court.”

While expressing optimism that the PDP could still recover from its present challenges, Saraki called on leaders across all levels to prioritize dialogue, sacrifice, and unity in the collective interest of the party and Nigeria’s democracy.