Tensions Mount as PDP Prepares for Controversial National Convention in Ibadan Amid Court Orders and Factional Disputes

Tensions Mount as PDP Prepares for Controversial National Convention in Ibadan Amid Court Orders and Factional Disputes

Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is currently bustling with last-minute preparations for the upcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amid mounting tensions between factional groups within the opposition party.

Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, this convention is arguably the most contentious in the PDP’s history, following the withdrawal of a faction from the event.

In the lead-up to the convention, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), chaired by Umar Damagum, took disciplinary action by suspending key officials—including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade—for one month over alleged anti-party activities.

This move came in response to a court ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which temporarily halted the convention, citing the party’s failure to adhere to its own rules. Justice Omotosho’s decision was based on the fact that the party leadership did not have its designated officials sign the notice of the convention before submitting it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leading to the court’s order to prevent INEC from monitoring the event.

However, relief arrived for the PDP’s Damagum-led NWC when Justice Ladiran Akintola, via an ex parte motion, ordered the party to proceed with the convention.

Earlier in the week, Justice Peter Lifu had also appeared to challenge the party’s plans when ruling on a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, suspending the convention on the grounds that Lamido failed to secure a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman. Nonetheless, Justice Akintola extended his interim order and instructed the PDP to go ahead with the event.

By Wednesday, the Lekan Salami Stadium, the chosen venue for the convention, was being transformed with vibrant decorations in the party’s colors, as preparations intensified. As of Thursday morning, the venue was still undergoing setup.

The event is expected to draw over 3,000 delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, along with party leaders, key stakeholders, and international observers, including diplomatic representatives.

The convention will feature elections for critical national positions, including the new National Chairman, National Secretary, and other members of the National Working Committee and their deputies.

In a show of support, Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal was on-site Thursday to oversee the final preparations. It was also revealed that the proceedings at Lekan Salami Stadium would be broadcast in multiple languages—English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa—to ensure broad inclusivity, with live coverage planned for audiences worldwide.