PDP Leaders Converge in Ibadan for Upcoming Convention

Legal Challenges and Political Tensions Surround PDP National Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing for its national convention on Saturday, despite ongoing legal challenges that have created uncertainty about the event’s legality. The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has extended its interim order to ensure the party can proceed with the gathering, which is scheduled to take place in the state capital. This decision has come amid conflicting court rulings from different jurisdictions.

The court set Friday as the date for the substantive hearing of the case, adding more layers to the legal battle surrounding the convention. Meanwhile, party leaders and delegates have already arrived in Ibadan, showing their commitment to the event. The National Secretary of the convention, Senator Ben Obi, along with sub-committee chairmen and other party leaders, were seen inspecting the venue — the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Delegates from across the country are expected to arrive in the city starting from Friday. This marks a significant step in the preparations for the convention, which will also serve as an opportunity to elect new national leadership for the party.

Conflicting Court Verdicts and Political Rivalry

The legal tussle over the convention has been fueled by two separate court verdicts. One was filed by a camp led by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and founding PDP member, Sule Lamido. These groups sought to prevent the convention from taking place, arguing that it should be halted through legal processes. Two Abuja High Courts granted their pleas, temporarily stopping the gathering.

However, an Ibadan State Court cleared the way for the PDP to proceed with the convention. This has intensified the political rivalry within the party, particularly between the Amb. Illiya Damagum-led faction, backed by the party’s governors, and the Wike group, which supports the APC’s Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The conflict has resulted in a split National Working Committee (NWC) and the formation of a new Board of Trustees (BoT). This internal struggle is seen as a crucial battle for the future direction of the party ahead of the 2027 election.

Commitment to the Convention Despite Legal Hurdles

Despite the legal challenges, the PDP under the leadership of Amb. Illiya Damagum has declared its intention to proceed with the national convention as planned on 15 November. The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, confirmed this in response to a recent High Court ruling in Abuja that attempted to stop the gathering.

In a statement, the National Working Committee (NWC) and the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) emphasized that the convention would not be postponed. They urged party members and Nigerians to ignore misleading claims made by individuals who they allege were recruited by the APC to disrupt the event.

The NCOC expressed confidence in the support of Nigerians and welcomed all delegates, party leaders, and supporters who have already begun arriving in Ibadan for the convention.

Court Rulings and Procedural Delays

In its ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola, extended the interim order allowing the PDP to proceed with the convention. The court had previously ordered the party to go ahead with the event as scheduled. The claimant/applicant had sought to restrain the defendants — including acting national chairman Umar Illiya Damagum, Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, and INEC — from interfering with the convention.

The court also directed the PDP leadership to follow the guidelines, timetable, and schedule released for the event. However, the case was adjourned until Friday for further hearings.

Another issue arose regarding an application for joinder, which the court rejected due to the lack of a signed affidavit. Lead counsel for the defendant, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emmanuel Ukala, argued that the absence of a signature did not necessarily invalidate the application. The judge, however, said the application could be refiled.

Local Leaders Stand Firm

Oyo State PDP Chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, dismissed the Abuja Federal High Court’s ruling as a non-threat. He stated that nothing could stop the convention, emphasizing that the party is fully prepared and determined to hold it.

The Abuja Federal High Court had previously restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention, citing the need to hear the substantive suit filed by Sule Lamido. In his ruling, Justice Peter Lifu also ordered INEC to refrain from monitoring or recognizing the outcome of the convention.

However, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had earlier adjourned the hearing of a motion related to the case. The court allowed more time for all parties to file and exchange necessary documents before the substantive proceedings could begin.

Ogungbenro noted that the Oyo State High Court had given the green light for the convention, stating, “This is not Abuja; this is Oyo, where everything is taking place.”

As the legal battles continue, the PDP remains steadfast in its commitment to the convention, regardless of the challenges ahead.