INEC OBSERVERS ATTEND PDP NATIONAL CONVENTION IN IBADAN

The national elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gained fresh momentum on Saturday in Ibadan as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were formally introduced at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.

Their appearance at the podium signalled a decisive turn in the party’s ongoing leadership transition and reinforced the legal backing behind the convention proceedings.

The development followed the ruling delivered on Friday, 14 November 2025, by Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court. Although counsel had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction because INEC is a federal agency, the judge held that the case was strictly an internal PDP matter.

Relying on provisions of the Electoral Act empowering state high courts to entertain disputes arising from intra-party affairs where the electoral body is not a defendant, Justice Akintola directed INEC to observe the convention. The commission complied.

The ruling effectively removed the last procedural cloud over the convention and cleared the path for the party to proceed with its internal restructuring, including the expulsion of Nyesom Wike and his allied faction. Party insiders say the legal confirmation has “settled every lingering doubt” and restored confidence in the legitimacy of the exercise.

It is widely recalled that the Supreme Court, in several landmark decisions, has repeatedly held that the selection, replacement, or confirmation of party leadership is an internal affair and not subject to judicial interference.

The events in Ibadan have now aligned with this long-standing jurisprudence, placing the full weight of the law behind the outcome of the PDP gathering.

With INEC observers now officially present and the convention validated, the party’s newly elected National Working Committee is expected to be sworn in without delay. Officials confirmed that the new leadership will assume office and commence full duties on 7 December 2025, marking the beginning of a new administrative chapter for the PDP.