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Over 3,000 delegates will today gather in Ibadan, Oyo State, to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) for the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Already, many of the delegates and supporters have shut down the ancient city as the party holds its elective national convention.
The convention is proceeding despite a fresh order by a Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the party from going ahead until it allows former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido to purchase the nomination form for the party’s chairmanship.
In a counter move reminiscent of the back-and-forth that has trailed preparations for the convention, the Oyo State High Court has given the party the go-ahead to conduct the exercise.
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Buoyed by the development, party leaders and members loyal to the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee are set to proceed with the convention following the extension of an order by an Oyo State High Court allowing the exercise to hold.
On Thursday, supporters of the party from across the country had already taken over the Lekan Salami Stadium in the Adamasingba area of Ibadan. As late as 10:30 p.m., the stadium was buzzing with commercial and entertainment activities, with many traders saying they intended to remain there until after the convention.
Daily Trust gathered that governors and party leaders have taken over almost all hotels in the Adamasingba axis and adjoining areas. Visits to several hotels revealed that they were fully booked.
It was also observed that many supporters who could not secure accommodation resolved to sleep in open fields.
Meanwhile, a party leader told Daily Trust that almost everyone expected in Ibadan had already arrived.
“The delegates are over 3,000 and I can tell you most of them have arrived. There is nothing like a faction in the party. Some of these things are media creations. If you are in Ibadan, you will understand what is happening,” he said.
He insisted that the PDP remained one, adding: “We are ready to ensure Nigeria does not fall into a one-party state. After this convention, the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections will change. I can promise you that. Just watch out for the attendance tomorrow (today).”
Abuja court orders cancellation of convention
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has again ordered the opposition party not to hold its national convention until it complies with its constitution and guidelines.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu on Friday ruled that the 2025 convention scheduled for today in Ibadan should be suspended until former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido obtains the nomination form to contest the national chairmanship.
He barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or aiding the convention until Lamido is allowed to participate.
The judge held that the PDP is under a strict obligation to adhere to its own rules and regulations by giving eligible members the opportunity to realise their aspirations.
He said it was wrong for the PDP to have denied Lamido the opportunity to purchase the nomination form.
In the suit filed by his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), Lamido sought, among others, an interim order restraining the PDP from conducting the convention pending the determination of his motion on notice after he was allegedly denied the chance to buy the form.
The judge said the order was necessary because the party had failed to comply with conditions and laws guiding the conduct of conventions, including proper publication of notices and the mandatory 21-day notice.
Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier, on October 10, barred the PDP from holding the convention, ruling that evidence from INEC showed that national officers did not conduct congresses in about 14 states — a breach of the law.
Oyo court reaffirms PDP convention, directs INEC to monitor
However, in what appeared to be a counter move, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan yesterday evening delivered a fresh ruling authorising the PDP to proceed with the convention.
Presiding Justice Ladiran Akintola, at the renewed hearing on Friday, 14 November 2025, heard arguments from all parties, including INEC’s counsel, after which he reaffirmed the court’s 3 November interim order mandating INEC to attend and monitor the convention as scheduled.
BoT reconciliation committee recommends caretaker committee
Ahead of today’s convention, the Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee has recommended an all-inclusive caretaker committee to address the crises bedevilling the party.
The committee said the move was necessary because a convention not accepted by all stakeholders would undermine the party’s ability to field candidates nationwide.
Since the convention was announced, members loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike have insisted that issues such as the conduct of congresses must be resolved first.
The development has led to the factionalisation of the party, with Ambassador Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammed leading the two camps.
While the Damagum group insisted on going ahead with the convention, the Abdulrahman camp cancelled it following the Abuja court ruling.
A copy of the reconciliation report seen by Daily Trust recommended that proceeding with the convention should depend on favourable legal clarity and INEC’s disposition.
The committee said: “Considering the multiple court orders and judgments, INEC is not likely to monitor the convention. Accordingly, an all-inclusive Caretaker Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate the party’s ability to field candidates at all levels nationally.”
It also recommended lifting suspension orders and bringing all parties together for genuine reconciliation.
Convention remains cancelled — Wike faction insists
Addressing a press conference on Friday, George Turna, the PDP South-South zonal leader loyal to the faction of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, said many stakeholders support the reconciliation efforts and the BoT’s recommendations.
He insisted that no PDP convention could hold today or any other day because the acting national chairman and national secretary — the only officers empowered to issue notices — had already stated officially that there would be no convention anywhere in Nigeria. “That is the lawful position,” he said.
Turna said the party must return to constitutional order, reconcile and then organise a credible convention that meets legal standards.
He added that Justice Omotosho’s judgment is before the Court of Appeal, and once a matter is before the appellate court, all parties must maintain status quo.
“You cannot proceed with a convention,” he said.
“Furthermore, Justice Lifu’s judgment today stopping the convention on the unlawful exclusion of former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido strengthens this. If they proceed, they will be acting in open violation of the law,” he added.
