The PDP Convention: A Battle for Control and Legitimacy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has found itself in the midst of a deep internal crisis, with its recent national convention becoming a flashpoint for legal disputes, factional clashes, and public confrontations. What was supposed to be a moment of unity and direction has instead turned into a spectacle of chaos, revealing the fragility of the party’s internal cohesion.
Legal Disputes and Factions
The Ibadan convention, held on November 15 and 16, took place despite three separate Federal High Court orders. A faction of the National Working Committee (NWC), led by former National Chairman Umar Damagum, proceeded with the event under the approval of an Oyo State High Court. Justice Ladiran Akintola had issued an interim order allowing the gathering to proceed without obstruction. However, this came after Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court had halted the convention, citing violations of the 1999 Constitution, the PDP Constitution, and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
On November 6, Justice Peter Lifu of another Abuja Federal High Court also restrained the Damagum-led NWC from proceeding with the convention, pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido. In a related matter on November 14, Justice Lifu again restricted INEC from supervising or recognizing any convention conducted by the PDP unless Lamido was included as a contestant.
Legal experts have pointed out that both Federal and State High Courts are of equal jurisdiction, meaning their rulings hold similar constitutional weight. This has created a situation where conflicting court orders have left the PDP leadership in a state of uncertainty.
The Convention and Its Outcomes
Despite the legal challenges, the convention went ahead and produced a new National Working Committee, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kabiru Turaki, who became the new National Chairman. The event also resulted in the expulsion of several high-profile members, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and Austin Nwachukwu, among others, for alleged anti-party activities.
According to Section 33(2) of the PDP Constitution, the National Convention is the supreme decision-making body of the party, responsible for electing the National Working Committee and setting policy directions. This power has made the convention a focal point for competing factions seeking control of the party.
Political Rhetoric and Legal Challenges
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor criticized the Damagum-led faction for proceeding with the convention despite clear court orders. He described the event as “criminal desperation” and a “false hope” for the party’s followers. Osadolor argued that the convention had no legal foundation and was essentially an “early Christmas party.”
In contrast, South-West Chairman Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe defended the decision to hold the convention, stating that it was a political matter not meant for judicial intervention. He claimed that higher courts would likely overturn the previous rulings and that the Oyo State High Court’s approval gave the event legitimacy.
Ajisafe also emphasized that the PDP followed all necessary procedures, including sending a 21-day notice to INEC, which he said was the only mandatory requirement. He noted that while INEC may attend conventions, it was not required to do so.
INEC’s Absence and the Consequences
Sule Lamido’s spokesperson, Mansur Hassan, argued that INEC’s absence at the convention indicated its illegality. He claimed that the commission should have nullified the event due to the prior court orders. Hassan suggested that the party should have formed a caretaker committee to address the internal crisis rather than holding a contested convention.
However, Ajisafe maintained that INEC’s attendance was optional, and the PDP had fulfilled all legal requirements. He also highlighted the support of 14 members of the NWC for the convention, compared to just four opponents.
Violence and Escalation
The tensions reached a boiling point when the Turaki-led NWC attempted to hold a meeting at the PDP National Secretariat. The Wike bloc, which had already taken control of the premises, blocked access, leading to a confrontation. Police intervened with tear gas, creating a chaotic scene. An unidentified man was seen assaulting members being expelled from the NEC hall.
Despite the violence, Turaki, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) eventually entered the national chairman’s office. Meanwhile, the Wike bloc announced the expulsion of the trio. By Wednesday morning, police had sealed off the secretariat with barbed wire, effectively shutting it down.
A Shattered Unity
Osadolor condemned the violence, calling it a violation of the PDP’s sacred space. He blamed the governors for the unrest, describing the incident as a “complete disaster.” Ajisafe, on the other hand, accused the Wike faction of attempting to impose their will on the majority, claiming that they were a minority of four against 14 supporters of the Turaki-led NWC.
The events surrounding the PDP convention highlight the deep divisions within the party and the growing reliance on the judiciary to settle internal conflicts. As the battle for control continues, the future of the PDP remains uncertain, with legal and political challenges looming large.
