By Our Correspondent
National News – Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has urged leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to halt ongoing lawsuits surrounding the party’s disputed national convention and instead focus on organising a fresh convention that complies with electoral guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Saraki made the call following a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria which upheld earlier decisions invalidating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, Ibadan, in November 2025.
The former governor of Kwara State said the party should accept the judgment and move quickly to organise another convention that aligns with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Saraki, waiting for a possible Supreme Court verdict could waste valuable time needed to properly prepare the party for upcoming elections.
He warned that continued legal battles could undermine the chances of PDP members hoping to contest under the party’s platform in the 2027 elections.
Saraki emphasised that political parties primarily exist to provide a platform for candidates seeking elective offices and should avoid internal disputes that could weaken their structure.
He urged party stakeholders to prioritise unity and collective interest over personal grievances.
The Court of Appeal judgment barred INEC from recognising the outcome of the disputed convention, including the emergence of Taminu Turaki as national chairman of the party.
The controversial convention also led to the suspension of several party members accused of anti-party activities.
Those affected included the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature.
The dispute originated from multiple lawsuits filed by aggrieved party members who argued that the convention violated provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP constitution.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam ruled that the party failed to comply with constitutional requirements before conducting the convention.
The court noted that valid notice was not served to INEC and that congresses were not properly held in more than 14 states before the convention took place.
The appellate court also dismissed appeals filed by Turaki and members of the National Working Committee, affirming the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and awarding N2 million in costs against the appellants.
Saraki concluded by urging party leaders to embrace dialogue and compromise in order to organise an inclusive national convention capable of producing widely accepted leadership.
