Saraki Urges PDP Leaders to End Litigation, Accept Appeal Court Verdict

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has called on leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to put aside their differences, accept the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, and move forward with plans to hold a fresh national convention in line with guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Saraki made the appeal on Tuesday in reaction to the appellate court’s ruling on the PDP’s national convention held in Ibadan last year.

In a statement signed by his media office , Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged party leaders to treat the court’s decision as a turning point and an opportunity to end ongoing litigations that could undermine the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“My own position is that the Court of Appeal has ruled. However, with the revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision,” Saraki said.

“Otherwise, we would not meet the deadlines for completing the process of nominating candidates. Also, uncertainty will continue to hang over the validity of the tickets issued to those nominated on the PDP platform. If our motive is to see that we do not jeopardise the chances of our numerous members who want to contest elections on our platform, then this consideration should be the priority of all of us in the party.”

The former senate president stressed that political parties exist primarily to provide platforms for aspiring candidates to contest elections and serve the people.

“One of the key essentials of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates seeking to serve the people by contesting elections. We should not defeat this purpose,” he said.

“It is for these reasons that I believe the only option open to all of us is to end all litigation and work with the arrangements that are on the ground for holding a national convention within the INEC timetable.”

Saraki noted that some party members had earlier warned about the potential consequences of the internal disputes but said the focus should now be on rebuilding the party.

“From the beginning, some of us have warned and advised about the dangers of travelling this route. We know that it will only imperil the party. However, since we have found ourselves here, our focus should be on how to get back on the path of full recovery, stability, and progress,” he added.

Acknowledging the tensions among party leaders, Saraki said the situation required maturity and sacrifice in the interest of the party and its supporters.

“I know that at this stage, egos have been bruised. However, the difference between an ordinary man and a statesman, between a person and a patriot, between a follower and a leader is the ability to rise above the din and ignore personal interests to serve the larger common interests and public good,” he said.

“Thus, some leaders of the party who did not get what they desired from the courts should now consider the bigger interest of the PDP in the 2027 elections and beyond. This is a more noble, dignified, and responsible position to adopt than to embark on a journey that leads to nowhere.”

Saraki also warned that continued litigation could jeopardise the aspirations of many grassroots members preparing to contest elections under the PDP platform.

“My concern is how to save and preserve this great party for the benefit of the numerous members who have hinged their aspirations on the PDP platform,” he said.

“There are many Nigerians in the grassroots who have been investing their time and resources in mobilising support for the party because they want to contest elections on the PDP platform.”

“These are members who want to contest elections into the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and the presidency.”

He cautioned that personal disputes among party leaders should not undermine the ambitions of these members.

“Feuding leaders should not allow their ego and personal differences to jeopardise, undermine, and defeat the aspirations of these honest, devoted and committed party members by depriving them of the opportunity to subject themselves to the verdict of the electorate,” Saraki stated.

He concluded by urging party stakeholders to adopt a conciliatory approach and prioritise unity in preparation for a fresh convention.

“The only viable option open to all of us is to sit down, discuss, and work towards holding an all-inclusive national convention at a time that will comply with INEC guidelines,” he said.

“What should be paramount to all of us is to adopt a give-and-take attitude that will ensure we accommodate all interests in the election of officers at the national convention. We should let the sleeping dog lie peacefully. There is really no time for continuous bickering and grandstanding.”