Court Clears PDP to Hold National Convention in Ibadan

The Oyo State High Court has granted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) permission to proceed with its elective National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The ruling, delivered by Justice A. L. Akintola, allows the opposition party to continue preparations despite an earlier conflicting court order from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Court Sanctions Convention, Orders INEC Participation

In the interim ruling, Justice Akintola issued an order restraining any party from obstructing the PDP’s convention plans. He also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor, and oversee the exercise in accordance with electoral regulations.

The decision followed an ex-parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi against key party figures, including PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Governor Umaru Fintiri, who chairs the Convention Organising Committee, and INEC.

Adelabi sought legal protection to ensure the convention timetable and guidelines were not altered or disrupted. Justice Akintola agreed that the claimant established sufficient grounds for urgent intervention and ruled that the convention schedule must proceed unimpeded. The substantive motion on notice is set for hearing on November 10, 2025.

Conflicting Court Orders and Escalating Party Tensions

The ruling in Ibadan follows a Federal High Court order issued days earlier by Justice James Omotosho in Abuja, which halted the convention pending compliance with party rules, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution. That decision also barred INEC from recognising any convention outcome that fails to meet statutory requirements.

However, the PDP swiftly rejected the Abuja ruling. Spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described it as an “assault on democratic processes” and confirmed that the party’s legal team had filed an appeal.

The legal tensions are unfolding amid deepening internal conflict within the party. On Monday, heavy security presence was observed at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja as Abdulrahman Mohammed resumed office as acting national chairman, backed by a faction loyal to suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. The development followed a series of suspensions issued by opposing factions of the PDP leadership, escalating the struggle for control ahead of the crucial convention.

Power Struggle Intensifies at PDP Secretariat

In a dramatic turn of events, rival groups continued to assert their authority. One faction, led by Damagum, suspended Anyanwu and other officials. In response, Anyanwu’s camp suspended Damagum and several principal officers, including Ologunagba. The widening leadership rift has raised concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of the national convention expected to elect a new executive.

Despite the political turmoil, the Oyo High Court’s order offers a temporary lifeline to the PDP’s efforts to proceed with its national transition schedule. Party members and political observers will closely watch the November 10 court hearing and subsequent convention activities as the PDP seeks to stabilise its internal structure.