Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to halt ongoing legal disputes and accept the ruling of the Court of Appeal, warning that continued litigation could undermine the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.
Saraki’s appeal comes amid growing internal tensions within the party following disputes over its national convention held in Ibadan last year.
He urged party leaders to shift their focus toward organising a fresh national convention that aligns with the timetable and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, waiting for a possible decision from the Supreme Court could delay the party’s ability to nominate candidates ahead of the next election cycle.
Saraki made his position known in a statement issued on Monday in reaction to the Court of Appeal judgment concerning the PDP’s national convention. The statement was signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office in Abuja.
The former Senate President stressed that the issue at stake goes beyond legal arguments and touches on the political future of the party.
He explained that although the Court of Appeal had delivered its ruling, the revised electoral timetable released by INEC leaves little room for further delays. According to him, waiting for a Supreme Court verdict could prevent the party from meeting deadlines required for completing the nomination process for its candidates.
Saraki also warned that prolonged legal battles could create uncertainty around the legitimacy of tickets issued to candidates contesting under the PDP platform.
He noted that one of the fundamental roles of any political party is to provide a platform for individuals seeking to serve the public through elective office. Allowing internal disputes to obstruct that purpose, he said, would defeat the essence of the party’s existence.
For this reason, Saraki said the most practical step for party stakeholders is to discontinue all legal actions and work together to organise a national convention within the time frame approved by INEC.
He added that some party members had earlier cautioned against pursuing the current legal path, describing it as a development that could harm the party. However, he said that since the party now finds itself in this situation, its leaders must concentrate on rebuilding unity, stability, and progress.
Saraki acknowledged that the court rulings may have left some leaders dissatisfied, but urged them to rise above personal interests for the sake of the party’s future.
He said true leadership requires the ability to set aside ego and personal ambition in order to serve the broader interest of the party and the public.
According to him, leaders who may feel disappointed by the court outcomes should instead prioritise the long-term survival and success of the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Saraki further expressed concern about grassroots members who have been investing time and resources to mobilise support for the party in anticipation of contesting elections on the PDP platform.
He pointed out that many party faithful intend to run for various positions, including seats in state Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate, governorship offices, and even the presidency.
The former Senate President warned that continued internal conflict among party leaders could undermine the hopes and political ambitions of these members by preventing them from participating in a credible electoral process.
He therefore urged PDP leaders to set aside their differences, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards conducting an inclusive national convention that accommodates all interests while complying with INEC guidelines.
Saraki concluded by stressing that the party must adopt a spirit of compromise and cooperation, noting that the time for prolonged disagreements and political grandstanding has passed. According to him, unity and timely action remain essential if the PDP hopes to remain competitive in future elections.
Saraki Urges PDP Leaders to End Court Battles, Warns Party Risks 2027 Chances
