Saraki proposes caretaker committee in place of convention

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has proposed the formation of a caretaker committee to take over the leadership of the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) instead of proceeding with the now legally encumbered national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Saraki, who chairs the PDP Reconciliation Committee, said […]

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has proposed the formation of a caretaker committee to take over the leadership of the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) instead of proceeding with the now legally encumbered national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Saraki, who chairs the PDP Reconciliation Committee, said proceeding with the convention as planned amid conflicting court orders could further imperil the party and place its prospective candidates for future elections in a precarious position.

Daily Trust reports that the party has been sharply divided between loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who want the convention halted, and those of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who insist it must go ahead as scheduled.

Both camps have obtained court orders to support their positions, leaving members in a state of confusion.

Saraki, who has maintained a conciliatory role in the party since early this year, made his recommendation on Tuesday in a post on his X handle after meeting with another reconciliation team set up by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

Saraki’s intervention comes amid mounting uncertainty within the party over the fate of the Ibadan convention and growing calls from senior members for a compromise that will prevent further fragmentation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The post reads:

“On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure of receiving members of the BoT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested a meeting to seek my opinion on possible ways to restore peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed.

“We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan.

“In summary, 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 our party or 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 settled amicably, with all sides seated around the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction.

“As it stands, there are conflicting court orders regarding the validity of the scheduled convention. As a result, there is no assurance that its conduct or outcome will stand.

“As a leader, on whose shoulders lie the political weight of the yearnings and aspirations of my people, I cannot in good conscience take or be part of any action that will jeopardise their aspirations.

“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 its affairs for the time being. This must be done within 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 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 PDP platform, 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, proceeding with the convention as scheduled is a waste of effort. It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution.”