Saraki Insists PDP Must Resolve National Secretary Crisis Before NEC, Convention

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has emphasized that the party cannot move forward with its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting or national convention until the long-running dispute over its national secretary is resolved. Speaking during an interview with Arise Television on Friday night, Saraki stressed that the impasse remains a major threat to the party’s unity and overall direction.

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According to Saraki, the issue of who rightly occupies the position of national secretary has dragged on for too long and continues to hinder key decision-making processes within the opposition party. He made it clear that without resolving the matter, the PDP risks internal disarray and strategic failure ahead of future elections.

“This is a problem that has existed. Before we can have a smooth convention, we must first hold a NEC meeting, and before that, we need to agree on who our secretary is,” Saraki stated. “The issue has lingered for ages and didn’t start today, but now, we must face it head-on.”

Supreme Court Ruling Yet to End Party Division

Despite the Supreme Court ruling delivered on March 21, 2025, which affirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the authentic national secretary of the PDP, Saraki noted that internal resistance and entrenched interests have prevented the party from fully implementing the decision. Some stakeholders, he revealed, have continued to dispute the legality of Anyanwu’s position, thereby fuelling factional divisions.

Saraki pointed out that even after the highest court in the land had spoken, certain members of the party are reluctant to let go of personal or political loyalties, further deepening the crisis.

“It’s not about individual ambition or control,” Saraki said. “We must understand that the longer this impasse persists, the harder it becomes to present a united front to Nigerians.”

He stressed that any party aspiring to lead Nigeria must first demonstrate internal coherence and respect for the rule of law, including Supreme Court judgments.

INEC Clarification Brings Partial Relief

The PDP chieftain disclosed that a recent meeting between the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) brought some clarity to the matter. At the meeting, INEC reiterated its recognition of Senator Sam Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary.

“Nine out of 10 of us at that meeting accepted INEC’s position that as far as it is concerned, the secretary of the party remains Sam Anyanwu,” Saraki said.

He explained that INEC’s position should serve as a wake-up call to members who are still holding out against the Supreme Court’s ruling. He also noted that any internal dispute that contradicts this position risks undermining the legitimacy of future party decisions and elections.

Not Political Gamesmanship

Addressing claims that the conflict may be politically motivated, Saraki rejected the notion, emphasizing that his reconciliation committee is driven solely by a desire to return stability to the PDP.

“The world is watching. We have said there is no personal interest here. We are guided only by what is acceptable under the law,” he affirmed.

The former Kwara State governor called on all party stakeholders to embrace a broader vision of unity and progress rather than engaging in divisive politics that could derail the PDP’s ambitions.

He emphasized that the reconciliation effort is not merely about personalities or political power but about the institutional survival of Nigeria’s oldest opposition party. Without unity, he warned, the PDP cannot credibly challenge the ruling party or appeal to Nigerians in future elections.

With the PDP expected to hold its national convention in the coming months, Saraki’s remarks come at a crucial time. He indicated that resolving the secretary issue is a non-negotiable prerequisite for convening a legitimate NEC meeting, which in turn is necessary to set the stage for the convention.

Saraki also hinted that ongoing consultations with various factions within the party are progressing, albeit slowly. He appealed for patience, understanding, and collective responsibility from all members.

“What we need now is for all voices to come together and accept what the law has said. That is the only way forward.”

As the PDP continues to battle internal wrangling while positioning itself for national relevance, Saraki’s message underscores the importance of legal clarity, institutional integrity, and above all, unity.