Saraki Sounds Alarm: PDP Convention Could Fracture Opposition Party Amid Legal Turmoil
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has issued a stark warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging the immediate suspension of its scheduled National Convention and calling the planned gathering a potential breaking point for Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Convention Amid Crisis
In a significant intervention that highlights deepening divisions within the PDP, Saraki cautioned that proceeding with the November 15-16, 2025 convention in Ibadan would “exacerbate the current crisis” and potentially tear the party apart.
The former Kwara state governor, following meetings with the Board of Trustees Reconciliation Team led by Hassan Adamu, stated unequivocally that the convention “does not have my support” and represents a “futile effort” given the current political and legal entanglements.
Legal Quagmire Threatens Legitimacy
At the heart of Saraki’s concern is what he described as “conflicting court orders” that have cast doubt on the convention’s legitimacy. The legal uncertainty raises serious questions about whether the event or its outcomes would be recognized as valid, potentially creating parallel leadership structures within the party.
“No one could guarantee that the event or its outcomes would be recognized as valid,” Saraki noted, pointing to the fundamental challenge of holding a contested convention under legal cloud.
Proposed Path to Stability
As an alternative to the contentious convention, Saraki proposed the establishment of a Caretaker Committee to temporarily manage party affairs and restore stability. This approach would allow time for reconciliation and resolution of legal disputes before proceeding with a legitimate national convention.
The call for a caretaker arrangement reflects growing concern among party elders that the PDP’s internal crisis could have consequences extending beyond the party itself.
Broader Democratic Implications
Saraki framed the situation as posing “a serious threat not only to the PDP but to Nigeria’s democracy as a whole.” This perspective underscores the critical role of a viable opposition in maintaining democratic balance, particularly as Nigeria continues to navigate complex political transitions.
The timing of the crisis is particularly significant given Nigeria’s political calendar, with the convention controversy emerging at a crucial period for opposition regrouping and strategy development.
Historical Context of PDP Crises
The current standoff represents the latest chapter in the PDP’s ongoing struggle to maintain unity since losing presidential power in 2015. The party has faced repeated internal challenges, but the current legal and political entanglement surrounding the convention represents one of the most significant threats to its cohesion in recent years.
Saraki’s intervention carries weight given his position as both a former Senate President and someone who has navigated complex political realignments throughout his career.
This report is based on original reporting from Gistmania.