Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has urged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and stakeholders to cease all internal legal battles forthwith and accept the recent Court of Appeal ruling.
In a statement released through his media head, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki emphasized that the party must now unite to organize a fresh national convention that strictly adheres to INEC guidelines.
With the clock ticking on INEC’s revised electoral timetable, Saraki warned that the PDP cannot afford the delay of a Supreme Court appeal.
He cautioned that continued litigation risks the party’s eligibility to field candidates for the 2027 general elections, potentially sabotaging their campaign before it begins.
“My position is clear: the Court of Appeal has spoken. With the revised INEC timetable, there is simply no time to wait for the Supreme Court. Doing so will jeopardise our ability to meet the deadlines required for the nomination of candidates.
“It will also create unnecessary uncertainty around the validity of tickets issued to candidates on the PDP platform,” Saraki said in the statement obtained by Persecondnews in Lagos on Tuesday.
He emphasised that the survival and relevance of the party must take precedence over individual grievances or ambitions.
“If our collective objective is to protect the political future of the many PDP members who intend to contest elections under the party’s banner, then ending these litigations must be our immediate priority.”
Saraki reminded party leaders that the primary responsibility of any political party is to provide a credible platform for citizens seeking to serve the people through elective offices.
“A political party exists to produce candidates for elections. We must not allow internal disputes to defeat that fundamental purpose,” he said.
A one-time Kwara governor noted that several leaders had earlier cautioned against the legal route that the party eventually took, warning that it could weaken the party’s internal stability.
“Some of us had warned from the outset about the dangers of travelling this path. Unfortunately, we are now facing the consequences.
“The most important thing now is not to dwell on blame, but to focus on how to restore stability, rebuild confidence, and move the party forward.”
He acknowledged that the legal tussles may have bruised egos among party leaders but urged them to rise above personal interests for the greater good of the party.
“At this stage, emotions may be high and egos may have been bruised. But true leadership is defined by the ability to rise above personal disappointment and act in the broader interest of the collective.
“Statesmanship demands that we prioritise the survival and success of the party above individual victories or losses.”
Saraki warned that persisting with litigation would ultimately harm the thousands of PDP members across the country who are preparing to contest elections under the party’s platform.
“My overriding concern is to preserve this great party for the benefit of the countless members who have invested their hopes and aspirations in the PDP.
“Across the grassroots, many Nigerians are already mobilising support and committing resources because they intend to contest elections on this platform.”
He stressed that these members — aspiring lawmakers, governors and presidential hopefuls — must not become casualties of prolonged leadership disputes.
“Leaders who continue this legal battle risk jeopardising the legitimate aspirations of committed party members who simply want the opportunity to present themselves before the electorate.”
Saraki therefore urged all factions within the party to set aside differences and work towards a credible, inclusive national convention that will comply fully with INEC regulations..
“The only realistic path forward is dialogue, compromise, and unity. We must work together to organise an all-inclusive national convention within the INEC timetable and ensure that every interest within the party is fairly accommodated.”
He warned that the PDP cannot afford endless internal conflicts at a time when it must prepare for the next electoral cycle.
“There is no time for endless bickering or grandstanding. The party must adopt a spirit of give-and-take and move forward together.
“The time has come to let sleeping dogs lie and focus on rebuilding a stronger, united PDP capable of competing effectively in 2027,” Saraki stated.
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