Cease court battles immediately or jeopardize the 2027 elections, Saraki cautions PDP

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has cautioned the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to put an end to their ongoing court battles and accept the judgment of the Court of Appeal, as prolonged litigation could jeopardize the party's chances in the 2027 elections.

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Saraki's warning comes at a time when tensions are quietly escalating within the party, and he emphasized that the party must now focus on organizing a fresh national convention that adheres to the timetable and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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The former Senate President's position was outlined in a statement responding to the Court of Appeal's judgment on the PDP's national convention held last year in Ibadan, which was signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office in Abuja.

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Saraki noted that the stakes extend beyond legal considerations, with significant political implications, stating that waiting for a possible Supreme Court ruling could delay the process of nominating candidates for the next elections.

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According to Saraki, the Court of Appeal's ruling must be acknowledged, and with the revised INEC timetable, there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court's decision, as this would lead to missing deadlines for completing the candidate nomination process.

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Saraki emphasized that uncertainty would persist regarding the validity of tickets issued to nominated candidates on the PDP platform, and the party's primary goal should be to prioritize the interests of its numerous members seeking to contest elections.

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The former Senate President stressed that a key function of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates, and the party should not undermine this purpose, instead working towards holding a national convention within the INEC timetable.

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Saraki reflected that some party members had warned against the dangers of prolonged litigation, which would ultimately harm the party, and now the focus should be on recovering, stabilizing, and progressing.

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He acknowledged that egos have been bruised, but true leaders must rise above personal interests and prioritize the common good, considering the greater interest of the PDP in the 2027 elections and beyond.

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Saraki's primary concern is preserving the party for the benefit of its numerous members who have invested time and resources in mobilizing support, including those seeking to contest elections into various offices.

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The former Senate President cautioned that continued litigation among party leaders could undermine the aspirations of many grassroots members who want to test their popularity at the polls.

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Saraki urged feuding leaders not to let their personal differences jeopardize the aspirations of devoted party members, who should be given the opportunity to subject themselves to the verdict of the electorate.

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He advocated for a viable option, where party members sit down, discuss, and work towards holding an all-inclusive national convention, adopting a give-and-take attitude to accommodate all interests in the election of officers.