Court Halts Convention, PDP Moves On: Inside the Internal Rift Rocking the Party

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Bode George, has reaffirmed that the party remains strong and united despite ongoing legal tussles and internal disagreements. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George insisted that the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan would proceed as planned, describing the PDP as “an Iroko”—a symbol of stability and resilience.

His comments come amid conflicting court orders, including a directive by the Federal High Court in Abuja halting the convention until former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, is allowed to obtain the nomination form for the position of national chairman.

PDP’s Strength and Internal Cohesion

George emphasised that disagreements were not uncommon in large political organisations, stressing that the party’s foundations remained strong.
According to him, a ruling by Justice Akintola extending permission for the party’s operations until the following Monday further reinforced the PDP’s readiness for the convention. He noted that a final judgement on the matter was expected on December 8.

He expressed surprise at Lamido’s decision to take the matter to court, stating:

“The majority of the members of the PDP know that this party is the Iroko… I am hell shocked that he took the party to court.”

George maintained that despite the tension, the party was “solid and undivided,” adding that stakeholders were committed to ensuring the convention holds without disruption.

Due Process Was Not Followed’ — George Faults Lamido

Clarifying the circumstances surrounding Lamido’s grievance, George explained that the former governor approached the party secretariat on the last day for the return of nomination forms—not the day for collection.
He stressed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had approved a clear timetable for the collection and submission of forms, adding that other aspirants complied fully.

George argued that Lamido’s decision to challenge the process in Abuja was unnecessary, especially after the Supreme Court had advised political parties to settle internal matters internally.
He remarked that Lamido’s status within the PDP iswould have guaranteed him access had he notified the party leadership earlier.

The party elder also faulted the Abuja court ruling upon which Lamido relied, insisting that internal political disputes should not be escalated to the judiciary.

Lamido Defends His Actions as Crisis Deepens

Appearing on the same programme, Lamido defended his decision to go to court, insisting that he acted to “restore his dignity.”
He accused PDP governors of contributing to the party’s erosion and insisted he would not attend the convention while a court injunction stood.

Lamido’s suit seeks to reclaim his right to purchase the nomination form for national chairman—an action that has now resulted in conflicting judicial pronouncements.

While Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered a halt to the convention until Lamido acquires the form, a similar suit filed in Oyo State by PDP member Folahan Adelabi was adjourned, with the court affirming an interim order allowing preparations to continue.

Despite the legal contradictions, delegates have started arriving in Ibadan, and the venue is already adorned in the party’s colours. Governors and major stakeholders maintain that the convention will not be stopped.