The main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has opened its national convention in Ibadan after weeks of uncertainties, disputations and for and counter court rulings.
Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, capital of Oyo State is glowing with colours and movement as delegates pour in from across Nigeria. Many arrived in matching regalia, forming small groups to discuss voting strategies and last-minute alliances.
Security teams, transport workers and state officials worked through the night to manage the massive crowd. “Traffic has been diverted to ease movement,” a government official confirmed.
Bus parks around Adamasingba are packed, and hotels in Ibadan reached full occupancy since Friday.
The planning committee says it expects a smooth event. The police, DSS, NSCDC and other agencies have taken positions around the stadium. Meetings also continued at the Government House to keep the convention on track.
The gathering comes at a time when the PDP is split between two factions led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, on one hand, and Nyesom Wike-led group of Abdulrahman Muhammed on the other.
The split deepened after supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Wike insisted that key congress issues must be resolved before any national convention.
The Abdulrahman camp even announced a cancellation after a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
But the PDP Board of Trustees – considered the moral voice of the party, took a different position. It declared that the convention would go ahead, saying the party must not operate in fear or confusion.
Meanwhile, legal fireworks continued in both Abuja and Ibadan. A Federal High Court ruling attempted to stop the convention. Hours later, the Oyo State High Court handled a separate case filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi.
The arguments revolved around whether the case belonged to a Federal High Court or whether the claimant had the right to approach a state court to protect his right to freedom of assembly under the 1999 Constitution.
Court Orders, Factional Pressure And INEC’s Position
At the Oyo court, counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) argued that the electoral body, as a federal agency, could only be sued at a Federal High Court. He asked the court to strike out the matter for lack of jurisdiction.
But counsel for the claimant, Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, disagreed. He argued that no court should block a citizen from seeking protection for his fundamental rights. “The Constitution guarantees the right to lawful assembly and convention,” he told the court.
He also cited Section 251 to argue that INEC does not fall under the narrow categories that place the case exclusively before the Federal High Court.
Justice Ladiran Akintola adjourned ruling to December 8, 2025. He also reaffirmed the interim order restraining any interference with preparations for the PDP convention, meaning the event could proceed without disruption.
The defendants in the suit include the PDP, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and INEC.
With legal hurdles temporarily cleared, party leaders are hoping that the convention will calm tensions rather than worsen them.
The convention is to elected national party officials including substantive Chairman and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) that will stir the party into the 2027 election and challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
Other far-reaching decisions are expected to be made at the convention, which is the highest rules making body of the party.
But the bigger question is whether the PDP can reunite after months of internal battles and public opprobrium.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
