‘It doesn’t have my support’ — Saraki asks Damagum-led PDP to shelve planned convention

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan does not have his support.

The former Kwara governor spoke on Wednesday while addressing the growing tension ahead of the event.

He added that lingering disputes over the convention are undermining efforts to restore unity within the opposition.

His comments come amid conflicting court rulings — some halting, others permitting the event to proceed.

A federal high court in Abuja had stopped the PDP from holding the elective convention.

But on November 4, an Oyo state high court directed the party and Umar Damagum, acting national chairman, to go ahead with preparations.

Another federal high court in Abuja, however, issued a fresh order on November 11 barring the party from conducting the convention or having the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervise or recognise its outcome.

On Wednesday, the Damagum-led national working committee (NWC) of the PDP reiterated that the party would not postpone the convention.

Speaking after meeting with members of the party’s board of trustees (BoT) reconciliation team, led by Hassan Adamu, Nigeria’s former ambassador to the United States, Saraki said the conflicting judgments have thrown the PDP into deeper uncertainty.

According to him, the peace meeting in Abuja was “meaningful and incisive”, as participants discussed ways to rescue the party from its internal strife.

“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,” the ex-Kwara governor said.

“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.”

‘CARETAKER COMMITTEE NEEDED FOR RECONCILIATION’

Saraki also advised the BoT team to recommend the immediate formation of a caretaker committee to temporarily manage the party’s affairs.

He said the interim leadership should be constituted “within the next two days” to help rebuild trust and ensure the PDP remains a credible platform for aspirants in future elections.

“In the current situation, no serious politician will risk contesting on a platform whose nominations could later be nullified,” he warned.

Saraki maintained that holding the Ibadan convention “will only worsen the crisis”.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

LEADERSHIP CRISIS

The PDP has been mired in fresh leadership turmoil following a wave of suspensions between rival factions.

The Damagum-led NWC recently suspended Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary; Kamaldeen Ajibade, national legal adviser; Okechukwu Osuoha, deputy legal adviser; and Umaru Bature, national organising secretary.

In a retaliatory move, the Anyanwu faction — backed by Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) — suspended Damagum, Debo Ologunagba, national publicity secretary; Taofeek Arapaja, deputy national chairman (south); Daniel Woyenguikoro, national financial secretary; Sulaiman Kadade, national youth leader; and Setonji Koshoedo, deputy national secretary.

Anyanwu’s camp subsequently appointed Abdulrahman Mohammed as acting national chairman, claiming the move was aimed at restoring legitimacy to the party’s leadership.

Last week, Mohammed declared himself acting chairman at the PDP national secretariat and announced the suspension of the convention.