Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is in a flurry of activity as the Peoples Democratic Party prepares for its national convention this weekend, despite deepening divisions and conflicting court orders threatening to derail the exercise.
Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, the convention is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in the party’s history. A faction of the PDP has already pulled out, while the National Working Committee, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, suspended three senior officials—National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade—over alleged anti-party activities.
The internal turmoil escalated after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the convention, citing the party’s failure to comply with its own rules regarding the signing of notices submitted to INEC. The ruling barred the electoral umpire from monitoring the event.
However, relief came for the Damagum-led leadership when Justice Ladiran Akintola granted an ex parte order allowing the PDP to go ahead. The same judge later reaffirmed the order after Justice Peter Lifu suspended the convention in a separate suit filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who claimed he was wrongfully excluded from contesting for National Chairman.
Venue Takes Shape
By Thursday morning, the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan was undergoing final decoration in party colours. Over 3,000 delegates from all states and the FCT are expected, alongside party leaders, observers, and members of the diplomatic community. The event will feature elections into key national positions—including National Chairman, National Secretary, and members of the NWC.
The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, visited the venue on Thursday to inspect preparations. According to the Secretary of the Venue Sub-Committee, Olajide Stanley, the stadium was about “60 percent ready,” with logistics—particularly congestion on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway—posing the only significant challenge.
The event is expected to be broadcast in English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa for wider inclusion.
PDP Secures Two-Thirds Attendance
The party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), Kamorudeen Ajisafe, told The PUNCH that delegates from at least two-thirds of the states had confirmed attendance—meeting the constitutional requirement for a valid convention.
“We’re good to go,” Ajisafe said, insisting that conflicting court rulings from courts of equal jurisdiction were merely persuasive and not binding. He also maintained that INEC and security agencies would be present, noting that the party had complied with all statutory requirements, including the 21-day notification.
Ajisafe dismissed calls for a caretaker committee, saying such a move could worsen the crisis.
Saraki Calls for Suspension
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, however, urged the party to suspend the convention, warning that proceeding amid legal uncertainty would deepen the crisis.
In a statement after meeting the PDP Board of Trustees Reconciliation Team, Saraki said conflicting court orders had raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the convention. He proposed the immediate establishment of a caretaker committee to restore stability.
“No serious politician will contest in a convention whose legal standing is uncertain,” Saraki warned.
Former presidential aspirant Gbenga Hashim-Olawepo backed Saraki, saying the convention would worsen factional divisions.
George Blasts Saraki
But former BoT Chairman Chief Bode George rejected Saraki’s proposal, describing it as “arrant nonsense.” He insisted the convention would go on as planned, adding that delegates from Lagos were already en route.
He accused Saraki of working with the suspended National Legal Adviser and warned that any faction uncomfortable with the process was free to leave the party.
Wike’s Camp Orders Boycott
A parallel faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed the convention entirely. The factional Chairman, Mohammed AbdulRahman, citing court orders, urged delegates across the country to boycott the event.
AbdulRahman said the faction would obey the rulings of Justices Omotosho and Lifu, insisting the Ibadan convention had “no legitimacy.”
The factional BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, also warned members against attending, saying any assembly held in defiance of court orders had “no binding effect.”
Wike, addressing supporters, praised those “defending the party” and vowed not to succumb to intimidation.
A Wike-backed NWC member, Timothy Osadolor, mocked the proposed convention, describing it as “an early Christmas party.”
Lamido’s Suit Stalls Judgment
Meanwhile, judgment in Lamido’s suit challenging his exclusion from contesting the chairmanship was not delivered on Thursday as scheduled. Justice Lifu informed parties that the ruling was not ready and would be rescheduled.
Earlier, the court had granted an interim order stopping the convention pending determination of the substantive suit and restraining INEC from monitoring the exercise.
Rivers PDP Split
In Rivers State, the division is stark. The factional chairman, Robinson Ewor, said his group would attend the convention. However, the faction loyal to Wike said it would boycott, citing court orders and unresolved ward and state congresses.
Yorwika, spokesperson for the Wike group, said attending the convention would “undermine the rule of law,” adding that the party must resolve its internal disputes ahead of the 2027 elections.
The discord in Rivers reflects broader national tensions threatening to overshadow the convention and deepen the PDP’s internal crisis.