Former Senate President warns of internal crisis, urges reconciliation
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to immediately suspend plans for the proposed Ibadan national convention, warning that proceeding with it could further deepen divisions within the opposition party.
Saraki, a former PDP presidential aspirant, made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday, stressing that the party must prioritize unity, dialogue, and fairness over factional interests as it prepares for upcoming national and state elections.
He cautioned that ignoring growing discontent among members could “tear the party apart” at a critical time when Nigerians are looking to the PDP for credible alternatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“At this point, our party cannot afford another internal crisis. The planned Ibadan convention should be halted immediately until all concerns are properly addressed. Unity must come before politics,” Saraki said.
Party members express concern over zoning and delegate lists
The controversy surrounding the Ibadan convention reportedly stems from disagreements over zoning arrangements and the composition of delegate lists for key national offices. Some PDP stakeholders, especially from the North and South-South zones, have alleged that the current arrangements favour specific factions within the party.
Saraki noted that the PDP, as a party that once governed Nigeria for 16 consecutive years, must demonstrate internal discipline and democratic maturity, not public squabbles.
“If our convention becomes a battleground for factional supremacy, we will lose the moral authority to challenge the ruling party. The PDP must show Nigerians that it is capable of self-correction and inclusive governance,” he said.
According to party insiders, the organising committee insists that preparations for the Ibadan convention are still on track, but several party leaders, including some former governors and National Assembly members, have expressed reservations.
Calls for leadership intervention grow louder
Saraki urged the acting National Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) to intervene swiftly by initiating broad consultations with key stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones.
He argued that a genuine reconciliation process should precede any convention, to rebuild confidence among members who feel sidelined.
“The PDP must not allow external forces or internal miscalculations to derail it. We need a convention that reflects unity, fairness, and preparation for governance — not one that deepens suspicion and resentment,” the former Senate President added.
He further stressed that the party’s governors’ forum, zonal leaders, and youth representatives should be given a meaningful voice in shaping the outcome of any major decision that affects the party’s national structure.
Analysts warn of possible defections if rift persists
Political analysts say the crisis over the Ibadan convention could lead to mass defections or further weaken the PDP’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Ahmed Lawal, a political scientist at the University of Ilorin, said that Saraki’s warning should not be taken lightly, given his experience in managing political crises both as a state governor and Senate President.
“The PDP is at a crossroads. If the leadership fails to heed internal advice, the fallout from a poorly managed convention could fracture the party beyond repair,” he said.
Meanwhile, some members of the PDP Reconciliation Committee have reportedly reached out to aggrieved stakeholders to find a middle ground and avert a total breakdown of trust within the party.
PDP yet to respond officially
As of press time, the PDP National Publicity Secretary had yet to issue an official response to Saraki’s statement. However, sources within the party’s national secretariat hinted that emergency meetings could be convened later this week to address the matter.
Grassroots members and supporters across several states have also begun urging the leadership to prioritize unity and transparency over internal politicking.
Saraki concluded his remarks by reminding party members of the PDP’s historic role in Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the nation’s opposition must not be weakened by avoidable internal rifts.
“The PDP must learn from its past mistakes. We cannot fight external battles when we are divided within. Let us put the interest of Nigeria — and our democracy — above personal ambition,” he said.
Observers believe the next few days will determine whether the PDP leadership will heed Saraki’s call or push ahead with the controversial convention amid growing unrest within its ranks.
