Despite weeks of disputes, competing court orders, and intense political wrangling, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention is officially underway at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The venue is brimming with energy as waves of delegates dressed in vibrant party attire stream into the stadium. Support groups are seen clustering in strategic corners, quietly fine-tuning plans and consolidating support for their preferred aspirants.
According to one of our correspondents on the ground, both the stadium and its surrounding areas have transformed into a hub of activity. The planning committee has implemented crowd-control measures ahead of the massive turnout expected for the event.
As of the time of filing this report, traffic was being diverted away from the main entrance to alternative access points, ensuring a smooth flow of vehicles. The Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is reportedly working hand-in-hand with government officials to coordinate taxi and motorcycle operators, giving delegates and guests unhindered access to the venue.
Security presence is visibly heavy, with personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies stationed across the stadium complex to maintain order. Delegates began arriving since Friday, resulting in hotel accommodations across Ibadan reaching full capacity.
Activities extended to the Oyo State Government House, where series of strategy sessions were held to ensure the convention unfolds without disruption. The event has drawn PDP leaders and delegates from every geopolitical zone, even as controversy continues to cloud the convention.
For weeks, factions within the party—particularly those aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike—insisted that unresolved issues, including the conduct of congresses, must be addressed before the convention could proceed. This division deepened the already widening gulf in the party, with Ambassador Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammed leading rival factions.
While the Damagum faction pushed ahead with preparations, the Abdulrahman group declared the convention cancelled in compliance with a ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Peter Lifu had ordered the PDP to halt the convention until former Jigawa governor, Sule Lamido, is allowed to purchase a nomination form for the office of National Chairman.
However, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) maintained its stance on holding the convention despite the Abuja court order.
Meanwhile, at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, proceedings continued on Friday in a suit filed by a PDP member, Folahan Adelabi, challenging disruptions to the convention. During the hearing, counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), O. Adeyemi, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction since INEC, as a federal agency, falls under the purview of the Federal High Court.
But counsel to the claimant, Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, countered the claim, insisting that the objection violated his client’s fundamental rights. Citing the 1999 Constitution, he argued that lawful assembly and democratic conventions are protected and that INEC does not fall under categories listed in Section 251 that limit jurisdiction to the Federal High Court.
After hearing both arguments, Justice Ladiran Akintola adjourned ruling on the objection to December 8, 2025. He also reiterated that the court’s earlier interim order restraining any interference in preparations for the convention remains valid.
The defendants in Adelabi’s suit include the PDP, its acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, Adamawa State Governor and Convention Chairman Ahmadu Fintiri, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the fourth defendant.
It will be recalled that the same court had previously extended its interim order, ensuring no obstruction to the convention—an order that effectively cleared the path for today’s gathering despite ongoing litigation.
What You Should Know
The PDP National Convention in Ibadan is proceeding despite competing court orders, internal divisions, and disputes over the party’s leadership and congresses.
While the Abuja Federal High Court ordered a halt to the convention, the Oyo State High Court maintained an interim order protecting preparations. Rival factions—led by Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammed—have deepened tensions, with legal debates focusing on jurisdiction and the rights of party members.
Heavy security, full hotel occupancy, and large delegate turnout underline the significance of the event, which is unfolding amid ongoing litigation that could influence the party’s future direction.
