…as ex-Senate President Saraki shuns Ibadan convention
Former governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency, Alhaji Sule Lamido has refuted the news making the rounds to the effect that he had directed his counsel to withdraw the case he filed against the planned convention of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
In a statement posted on his verified social media handles, the former governor further clarified that a Federal High Court ruled today in his favour that he had the right to contest for the national championship which he was earlier denied.
Alhaji Lamido said “I have received several telephone calls across the country from PDP members about the story below making the rounds in Ibadan at the purported PDP Convention venue. I urge members to note as follows:
“The story/statement attributed to me below is false.
“A Federal High Court today at around 2.30pm passed a judgment affirming my right to contest the Chairmanship of the PDP denied me earlier.
“An order stopping the Ibadan PDP Convention holding on 15th and 16th November 2025 until the PDP complies with the Court ruling.
“Stopping INEC from supervising/observing the Convention
Certified order stopping the Ibadan Convention already delivered to INEC and PDP”
The former governor added: “Disregard the story below in its entirety
BREAKING
I have directed my legal counsels to withdraw my case against PDP after my meeting with Oyo State Governor, a noble and peaceful man, Engr Seyi Makinde, who have assured that all Stakeholders will be carried along, irrespective of todays ruling at the Abuja Federal High Court.
The National Convention can now go on. I am in full support.
— Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido”.
Meanwhile, a former governor of Kwara State and former Senate President, His Excellency, Bukola Saraki has announced his withdrawal from the planned Ibadan PDP convention scheduled to hold from 15th to 16th of November, 2025, describing the planned event as “waste of effort”.
“On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure to receive members of the BOT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested for a meeting in order to seek my opinion on the possible ways of restoring peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed”, the former Senate President said in a statement posted on his verified social media handles.
While expressing his regret over the party’s continued crisis despite his and others’ efforts, Saraki maintained that the convention had “become mired in extensive controversy”.
According to Saraki”We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15-16 November 2025 in Ibadan”.
He continued: “In summary, 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”.
The former ruling party has been in serious crisis following the outcome of its 2022 Presidential primary which saw former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as its 2023 presidential standard bearer.
