…Two factions consider Saraki’s peace formula

Concerned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders have commenced moves to broker peace between the two factions in accordance with the peace formula suggested by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

According to party sources, party leaders who are interested in averting uncertainties ahead of the 2027 polls have reached out to the factional leaders – Chief Nyesom Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Alhaji Saminu Turaki – to consider the option of withdrawing pending court cases and agree on a new national convention date.

A source, who is a party to the proposed reconciliation deal, said, “PDP has to return to the Saraki suggestion to restore sanity and survive.”

From the beginning of the protracted crisis, Saraki had urged PDP leaders to manage their affairs such that they would not need to resort to litigation.

The former Senate President, who also cautioned against factionalization, had envisaged that going to court would stall the progress and unity of the party.

Saraki said factions would only play into the hands of foes plotting their future electoral downfall.

He also advised that the leaders should manage the party to get to the National Convention, where they can now fix all the issues, review the constitution, and chart the way forward.

Also, a Lagos party chieftain, who lamented the neglect of Saraki’s advice, said party elders are trying to bring the two camps into amity.

He said, “The party leaders did not listen. They pushed the matter until there were resultant court cases and factions. With the litigations, Saraki advised that the best move is to stop the convention and set up a caretaker committee that will be used to resolve all the issues and reconcile the various factions and groups.

“Still, the feuding parties refused to listen, and they went to hold a convention that has now become an exercise in futility. With the decision of INEC, PDP has now become a flock of sheep without shepherds. A ship without a captain.”

According to the party elder, “the next move is to return to the Saraki formula. As the former governor of Kwara State has counselled, the leaders should not wait for the court to give judgment in any of the cases.”

He added, “The party leaders should move among themselves and start talking about resolving the disagreements. I am happy about the latest peace effort.” (The Nation)