Olayiwola Matthew
A former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has said that no serious politician would contest election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) considering the present situation of the party.
Saraki, who proposed the setting up of a caretaker committee for the party after the meeting in Abuja, said that there is no assurance the conduct and outcome of the proposed national convention will stand considering various conflicting court orders.
He tweeted: “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.
“I made it clear to the BOT team 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.
“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.”