Court Ruling Clears PDP to Hold National Convention as Damagum Lauds Judicial Courage

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has received judicial backing to proceed with its highly anticipated 2025 Elective National Convention following a landmark ruling by the Oyo State High Court. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has hailed the decision as a “courageous” affirmation of the party’s constitutional rights, describing it as a victory not just for the PDP but for Nigerian democracy itself. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday by Justice A. L. Akintola, has resolved lingering legal uncertainties that threatened to derail the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

Judicial Affirmation Strengthens Democratic Process

Justice Akintola’s ruling granted an interim order permitting the PDP to conduct its national convention as planned, effectively dismissing attempts to frustrate the democratic exercise. The court also mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor, and observe the convention pending the hearing of the substantive motion. The case was brought before the court through an ex parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Governor Umaru Fintiri (representing the National Convention Organising Committee), and INEC.

Speaking at the PDP Board of Trustees meeting held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, Damagum emphasized that the judgment confirmed the party had fulfilled all legal requirements for the internal democratic exercise. He commended Justice Akintola for demonstrating judicial independence in what he characterized as “an era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise.” The Acting Chairman noted that the ruling not only cleared the path for the convention but also reinforced the principle that political parties have the constitutional right to conduct their internal affairs without undue interference.

The court’s decision has been welcomed by party stakeholders as a crucial step toward ensuring a transparent and credible election of the new National Working Committee. Legal analysts suggest the ruling sets an important precedent for protecting the autonomy of political parties in conducting their internal democratic processes.

PDP Leadership Calls for Unity and Reconciliation

In his address to the Board of Trustees, Damagum reflected candidly on the internal divisions that have plagued the PDP since the 2023 general elections. He revealed that his leadership approach had consistently prioritized reconciliation over retribution, making compromises and accommodations in the broader interest of party cohesion. “Every decision I took, every compromise I made, every gesture of accommodation was for the sake of the Party. I chose the Party, not individuals or factions, but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all,” Damagum stated.

The Acting Chairman issued a charge to the incoming National Working Committee to demonstrate courage and integrity in their leadership. He stressed the importance of building a leadership team capable of uniting the party, revitalizing its grassroots structures, and inspiring members across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Damagum characterized the BoT meeting as a strategic platform for providing direction toward the convention and resolving outstanding issues that could hinder its success.

Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara echoed the call for unity, appealing to warring factions within the party to sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation. Wabara emphasized that the PDP BoT would maintain strict neutrality and focus exclusively on mediating differences among party members. The meeting, attended by prominent party figures including BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarafi, Jerry Gana, Senator Ben Obi, Josephine Anenih, and Zainab Maina, alongside members of the National Working Committee, underscored the collective commitment to ensuring a successful convention that would chart a new course for Nigeria’s main opposition party.