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Amidst Divided Opinions: 3,000 Delegates Rally for PDP Convention
More than 3,000 participants will assemble in Ibadan, Oyo State, today to choose a new National Working Committee (NWC) for the leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Currently, numerous delegates and supporters have closed off the historic city as the party conducts its national election convention.
The conference is continuing despite a new ruling from a Federal High Court in Abuja, which has prohibited the party from proceeding until it permits former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido to buy the nomination form for the party's leadership position.
As a response similar to the ongoing exchanges surrounding the convention preparations, the Oyo State High Court has approved the party to proceed with the event.
Encouraged by the progress, party leaders and supporters of the National Working Committee led by Umar Damagum are prepared to continue with the convention after an Oyo State High Court extended the order permitting the event to take place.
On Thursday, party supporters from all over the country had already occupied the Lekan Salami Stadium located in the Adamasingba area of Ibadan. Even as late as 10:30 p.m., the stadium was lively with business and entertainment, as numerous vendors stated their plan to stay there beyond the convention.
Daily Trust reported that governors and party officials have seized nearly all hotels in the Adamasingba region and surrounding areas. A visit to multiple hotels showed that they were completely occupied.
It was also noted that numerous fans who failed to find lodging chose to rest in open fields.
In the meantime, a party leader informed Daily Trust that nearly all those anticipated in Ibadan had already arrived.
"There are more than 3,000 delegates, and I can confirm that most have already arrived. There's no real faction within the party. Some of these issues are manufactured by the media. If you're in Ibadan, you'll grasp what's going on," he stated.
He maintained that the PDP was still united, stating, "We are prepared to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state. Following this convention, the political scene leading up to the 2027 general elections will undergo changes. I can assure you of that. Just keep an eye on the turnout tomorrow (today)."
Court in Abuja mandates annulment of the convention
In the meantime, a Federal High Court in Abuja has once more directed the opposition party to refrain from conducting its national convention until it adheres to its constitution and regulations.
On Friday, Justice Peter Odo Lifu decided that the 2025 convention set for today in Ibadan must be put on hold until former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido secures the nomination form to run for the national chairmanship.
He prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from overseeing, observing, or supporting the convention until Lamido is permitted to take part.
The judge stated that the PDP must strictly follow its own guidelines and procedures, ensuring that qualified members have the chance to achieve their goals.
He claimed it was incorrect for the PDP to have prevented Lamido from buying the nomination form.
In the lawsuit submitted by his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), Lamido requested, among other things, a temporary order preventing the PDP from holding the convention until his motion on notice is resolved, following his alleged denial of the opportunity to obtain the form.
The judge stated that the order was required as the party did not adhere to the conditions and regulations governing the organization of conventions, such as the proper dissemination of announcements and the mandatory 21-day notice period.
It is worth noting that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja previously, on October 10, prevented the PDP from organizing the convention, stating that evidence from INEC indicated that national officials had not held congresses in approximately 14 states — which constituted a violation of the law.
The Oyo state court upholds the PDP convention and instructs INEC to oversee the process
Nevertheless, what seemed to be a retaliatory action saw the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan issue a new decision yesterday evening, allowing the PDP to continue with the convention.
Chief Justice Ladiran Akintola, during the rescheduled hearing on Friday, 14 November 2025, listened to presentations from all involved parties, including legal representatives of INEC, following which he confirmed the court's interim ruling from 3 November, requiring INEC to participate in and oversee the convention as planned.
Committee for Bot reconciliation suggests a temporary committee
Before today's convention, the Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee has proposed a comprehensive caretaker committee to tackle the challenges affecting the party.
The committee stated that the action was essential since a convention not supported by all involved parties would weaken the party's capacity to nominate candidates across the country.
Following the announcement of the convention, supporters of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike have maintained that matters like the organization of congresses need to be addressed initially.
The situation has resulted in the division of the party, with Ambassador Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammed heading the respective groups.
Although the Damagum group remained determined to proceed with the convention, the Abdulrahman faction called it off after the Abuja court's decision.
A version of the reconciliation report viewed by Daily Trust suggested that moving forward with the convention should be contingent upon positive legal clarity and INEC's stance.
The committee stated: 'Taking into account the various court orders and rulings, INEC is unlikely to oversee the convention. Therefore, a comprehensive Caretaker Committee (CTC) is advised, as a failed convention would hinder the party's capacity to nominate candidates at every level across the country.'
It also suggested removing suspension orders and gathering all involved parties for sincere reconciliation.
Convention is still canceled - Wike's group insists
At a press conference on Friday, George Turna, the PDP South-South zonal leader aligned with the faction of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, stated that numerous stakeholders back the reconciliation initiatives and the BoT's suggestions.
He maintained that no PDP convention could take place today or on any other day, as the acting national chairman and national secretary—the only officials authorized to issue notices—had already officially declared that there would be no convention anywhere in Nigeria. "That is the legal stance," he stated.
Turna stated that the party needs to revert to constitutional order, reach a consensus, and subsequently hold a legitimate convention that adheres to legal requirements.
He mentioned that Justice Omotosho's ruling is under review by the Court of Appeal, and when a case is presented to the appellate court, all involved parties are required to keep things as they are.
"You are unable to continue with a convention," he stated.
'Moreover, Justice Lifu's ruling today halting the convention regarding the unlawful removal of former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido reinforces this. If they continue, they will be acting in clear breach of the law,' he said.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).Demikianlah Artikel Amidst Divided Opinions: 3,000 Delegates Rally for PDP Convention
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