Eshiorameh Sebastian in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is proceeding with its plans to hold a critical national convention this weekend in Ibadan, defying a fresh court order from Abuja that sought to halt the gathering.
SPEAR NEWS reports that preparations are at an advanced stage at the Lekan Salami Stadium, with party leaders and delegates already arriving in the Oyo State capital.
The convention, scheduled for 15-16 November, is intended to elect a new national leadership for the main opposition party.
The move came amidst a deepening internal crisis, largely seen as a battle for control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party is currently split between a faction led by its acting national chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum, and another group loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress.
The legal situation became more complex on Tuesday when a Federal High Court in Abuja, ruling on a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, restrained the PDP from holding the convention.
Justice Peter Lifu also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the event.
However, in a counter-ruling, an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has extended an interim order permitting the convention to go ahead. Presiding Judge Justice Ladiran Akintola stated that the order “would continue to subsist” until the substantive case is determined, with a hearing set for Friday.
In a firm statement, the Damagum-led camp insisted there was “no going back” on the convention. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC of instigating the legal challenges in a “failed attempt to stop the PDP National Convention.”
“We are aware of the plots by the APC to destabilise the opposition and impose a one-party state on the country — a design that will be lawfully resisted,” Ologunagba said. “The NCOC and the party will continue to work assiduously, round the clock, to ensure a successful national convention in Ibadan as scheduled.”
On the ground in Ibadan, local party officials echoed this defiant stance. The PDP chairman in Oyo State, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, dismissed the Abuja court’s ruling, stating, “Nothing can stop our convention. We are preparing for the convention and we are going to hold it. Nothing can stop it by the grace of God.”
He added, “This is not Abuja; this is Oyo, where everything is taking place.”
The party’s National Secretary for the convention, Senator Ben Obi, alongside committee chairmen, was seen inspecting the venue on Wednesday, signalling that final preparations are underway. Delegates are expected to continue arriving in the city throughout Friday.
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