Saraki: No Serious Politician Will Contest On PDP Platform Amid Crisis

A former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has said that no serious politician would contest an election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) given the party’s current state of disarray.

Saraki, who spoke after a meeting in Abuja, proposed the immediate establishment of a caretaker committee to manage the affairs of the PDP, warning that the planned national convention may not withstand legal scrutiny due to multiple conflicting court orders.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the former Senate President expressed disappointment over the deepening crisis within the opposition party.

“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,” he said.

Saraki emphasized that political disputes should not be settled in court, but through internal dialogue and reconciliation.

“Political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably with all sides seated around the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction,” he noted.

He cautioned that the conflicting court rulings have created uncertainty over the legality of the forthcoming convention and the validity of any outcome it may produce.

“As it stands, there is no assurance that the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand. As a leader on whose shoulders rest the aspirations of my people, I cannot in good conscience take part in any process that will jeopardize those aspirations,” Saraki said.

Calling for urgent intervention, Saraki urged the Board of Trustees (BoT) to constitute a caretaker committee within two days to steer the party back to stability.

“This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the party. It is also the best way to restore confidence among members who intend to contest elections on the PDP platform,” he stated.

Saraki warned that proceeding with the planned National Convention in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025, would be counterproductive and a “waste of effort.”

“In the present circumstance, no serious politician with electoral ambition will contest on the PDP platform, not knowing whether his or her nomination will be valid or declared null and void. Going ahead with the convention as scheduled will only deepen the crisis. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution,” he concluded.