Saraki Opts Out of PDP Convention, Calls For National Caretaker Committee
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has advised the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to quickly facilitate the setting up of a national caretaker committee in the next two days to temporarily steer the affairs of the party.
He said that no sensible politician would contest in a national convention whose outcome is already mired in political and legal controversies.
Saraki, who made this known on Wednesday when he received members of the BOT Reconciliation Team led by Wakilin Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu, said going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan would only fuel the crisis in the party.
“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,” the former Senate President stated.
He expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless and arduous efforts by some of them, the Convention has become mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal, which does not bode well for not only the party, but for Nigeria’s democracy in general.
Saraki emphasised 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,” he added.
