PDP’s Internal Struggles Over the 2027 General Election Convention
The political landscape of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is currently marked by intense internal conflict, particularly concerning the upcoming 2027 general election convention. The Damagum group has been firm in its stance that the party cannot afford another postponement after months of disputes over leadership, zoning, and preparations for the event. This sentiment aligns with the assurances given by key figures within the party.
South-South Zonal Caretaker Chairman of the PDP, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, confirmed that many leaders had already arrived in Ibadan, while others were expected to join soon. According to him, committee chairmen were already on site, working on final logistics, accreditation, and security arrangements. Ogidi emphasized that governors and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) loyal to the Damagum faction would be joining them in Ibadan, dismissing calls for the appointment of a caretaker committee.
For Ogidi, such a step lacks constitutional basis. He stated, “What you should know is that we are going ahead with our convention. There is no provision for any caretaker committee; we did not make provisions for it.” This position was echoed by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who insisted that the convention is sacrosant, declaring, “We are going to Ibadan. The convention is sacrosant.”
Legal and Political Implications
The discussions surrounding the convention have become increasingly intense as leaders assess the legal and political implications of proceeding under current uncertainty. Some influential figures within the party have quietly promoted the idea of setting up a caretaker committee, arguing that it offers the most legally defensible and politically stabilizing path at this time.
Meanwhile, the party’s House caucus has taken steps to rally support for the convention. A notice issued by the caucus urged its members to disregard the announcement of cancellation made by the faction loyal to Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The statement welcomed all delegates to what it described as the ‘Ibadan 2025 Elective Convention,’ which it claimed would breathe new life into the party.
However, not all factions share this enthusiasm. Another influential bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, maintains its hardline opposition to the event. They argue that the conflicting court decisions and ongoing internal disputes make proceeding with the convention a dangerous gamble. Instead, they push for a caretaker committee to manage the party until all legal issues are resolved and peace is restored.
Key Figures Opposing the Convention
Several prominent figures have voiced their opposition to holding the convention and called for a caretaker leadership. These include Wike, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who himself circulated a notice announcing the postponement of the convention.
Others opposing the event include former Jigawa State Governor and national chairmanship aspirant Sule Lamido, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and 2027 presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim. Several state executives, particularly in the North-West and parts of the North-Central, are also said to be considering a boycott.
Contradictory Court Rulings
The party’s crisis has deepened further due to contradictory court rulings. On 31 October, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the convention, ruling that the PDP failed to meet statutory notification requirements. On 11 November, Justice Peter Lifu of the same Abuja division granted an order restraining both the PDP and INEC from proceeding with the exercise, following a suit filed by Sule Lamido challenging his alleged exclusion from purchasing the nomination forms for the national chairmanship contest.
Contrary to the Abuja rulings, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan issued an order allowing the convention to proceed so long as the party adhered to its published guidelines. Justice Ladiran Akintola extended an earlier directive in favor of the event, a ruling which the Damagum bloc has since adopted along with the Supreme Court’s earlier decision on party affairs as the legal foundation for pressing ahead.
Saraki’s Call for a Caretaker Committee
Amid these tensions, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has emerged as one of the strongest voices urging the party to suspend the convention. In a post on his social media pages after a meeting with members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Team led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, Saraki argued that holding the convention under such controversial circumstances would only exacerbate the party’s wounds.
He described the engagement with the BoT team as ‘meaningful and incisive,’ but insisted that the party could not ignore the realities of the conflicting judgments. Saraki’s proposed solution is the immediate establishment of a caretaker committee to steer the party temporarily and create a level playing field for all stakeholders.
Wabara-led BoT Insists on Convention
As the legal uncertainties persisted, the PDP BoT led by Senator Adolphus Wabara received the report of the reconciliation committee on Thursday. Wabara reiterated the position that the convention would go ahead as planned. He acknowledged that the party was facing a self-inflicted crisis but insisted that it remained committed to respecting lawful court orders.
Another influential party leader, Chief Bode George, also dismissed calls for suspension of the convention and the establishment of a caretaker committee. In an interview on Arise Television, George described such proposals as unnecessary and unconstitutional. He accused some leaders of pursuing selfish agendas and reminded them that the Supreme Court had already ruled that parties should resolve their disputes internally.
Wike-backed Faction Maintains Opposition
In contrast, the Wike faction maintained its firm opposition after holding a meeting in Abuja on Thursday. Led by Wike, Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, factional BoT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, National Secretary Senator Anyanwu, and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the group declared the Ibadan convention illegal.
Ohuabunwa described the planned event as a ‘jamboree,’ insisting that going to Ibadan for a convention would be an exercise in futility because the law does not recognize it. The faction insists that the proper approach is to await the conclusion of all legal processes before organizing a legitimate convention that unites the party rather than deepens divisions.
Conclusion
The PDP’s internal struggles highlight the complexities of managing a political party during a critical period. While some factions push for a caretaker committee to ensure stability, others remain steadfast in their commitment to holding the convention. As the party navigates these challenges, the outcome will significantly impact its future and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
