Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has advised leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to accept the Court of Appeal verdict and hold a fresh national convention in compliance with guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting to Monday’s verdict on last year’s national convention of the PDP held in Ibadan, in a statement signed by his Head of Media, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki appealed to the party’s leaders to see the Court of Appeal decision as an end to all litigations and a time for introspection.
His words: “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. 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.”
Saraki noted that one of the key essentials of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates seeking to serve the people by contesting elections, urging the party not to defeat this purpose.
“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.
“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 stated.
While acknowledging that egos may have been bruised at this stage, Saraki pointed out that the difference between an ordinary man and a statesman, between a person and a patriot, and between a follower and a leader is the ability to rise above the din and ignore personal interests in order to serve the larger common interest and public good.
“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.
“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. 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 remarked.
Saraki further encouraged feuding leaders not to allow their egos and personal differences to jeopardise, undermine, or defeat the aspirations of devoted party members by depriving them of the opportunity to subject themselves to the verdict of the electorate.
“That is what these leaders will be doing if anybody continues with the litigation,” he said. “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 added: “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.”
