The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is pressing ahead with its National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite conflicting court orders directing the opposition party to suspend the exercise. Party leaders argue that a recent Supreme Court ruling shielding internal party matters from judicial interference gives them full autonomy to proceed.
The convention, scheduled to take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, begins on Saturday with preparations driven by the faction loyal to National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum. The group insists that the Supreme Court has “given the PDP full authority to conduct its internal affairs without further judicial hindrance.”
This position follows a fresh order by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday halting the convention, the second such order within the month. Justice Lifu had earlier on November 11 restrained the PDP from conducting the exercise, which is meant to elect new national officers. The Supreme Court had earlier this year ruled that issues relating to the leadership and membership of a political party fall within internal management and are not subject to judicial intervention.
The court challenges come as details from the Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee report reveal recommendations for the formation of an all-inclusive National Caretaker Committee and a postponement of the convention. The committee warned that “a failed convention will incapacitate the tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally,” adding that “going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC.”
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, whose legal battle sparked the new court orders, denied reports that he had withdrawn his suit and endorsed the Ibadan convention. He described the story as “fake news,” noting that it triggered “numerous calls from worried party members across the country.” Lamido had sued the PDP after he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form for the National Chairman position, which the party said had closed. Justice Lifu ruled that Lamido was unlawfully excluded, stating that he was a bona fide member with the right to contest.
The judge held that the PDP breached its guidelines by closing sales of nomination forms 19 days before the convention instead of the required 14 days. He declared that “the court would not allow parties to act arbitrarily and violate its own constitution,” ordering the party to make nomination forms available to Lamido and place the convention on hold until he is given an opportunity to contest. He also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or validating the convention until the court’s directives are complied with.
In Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Command has announced heightened security to ensure safety throughout the two-day event. Police spokesperson CSP Adewale Osifeso said security patrols would be intensified at entry and exit points, parks, train stations, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport. “Security presence will be significantly increased at all entry and exit points, especially around the convention venue,” he said, advising residents to use alternative routes and avoid unauthorised gatherings.
Delegates have begun arriving in the city, with posters and billboards of aspirants taking over the stadium area. Vice Chairman of the Venue Committee and House of Representatives member Hon. Stanley Olajide told journalists that the party was “more than 99 per cent ready,” and that all arrangements had been made for a successful event. Oyo State PDP Publicity Secretary Michael Ogunsina also reaffirmed that the party would proceed “in line with the court’s directive,” expressing optimism for a peaceful and successful convention followed by a renewed strategy to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
At the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Justice Ladiran Akintola adjourned ruling in a separate suit regarding the convention’s legality to December 8, 2025. The judge reaffirmed an interim order preventing interference with preparations for the convention. Arguments in court centred on whether INEC, as a federal agency, places the matter outside state court jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, leaked portions of the PDP Reconciliation Committee report expose deep internal divisions. The committee recommended that the National Working Committee (NWC) revert to status quo ante, suspension orders be lifted, and all factions reconciled under the guidance of the BoT. It also advised that constitutional amendments granting the Governors’ Forum formal organ status be suspended, emphasising that party supremacy must be upheld at all times. The committee arrived at its recommendations after meeting with several factions, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the PDP Governors’ Forum chaired by Bala Mohammed, the Damagum-led NWC, and suspended NWC members.
Three petitioners who earlier approached the court urged the BoT to implement the committee’s recommendations in full, arguing that “any National Convention of a political party not monitored by INEC is a nullity,” especially in light of existing court orders.
In a show of support, the Northern Youth Network (NYN) announced plans to mobilise hundreds of youths from 19 northern states to attend the Ibadan convention. Coordinator Sulaiman Yakubu hailed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a “symbol of competence, transparency, and modern leadership,” citing achievements in infrastructure, fiscal management, and youth empowerment. He warned that some politicians were attempting to “destroy the party and make Nigeria a one-party state,” and stressed that the PDP remains the only viable opposition capable of challenging the APC in the 2027 general election.
He said the group’s attendance also aligns with the political mentorship of Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, a noted advocate for youth inclusion. Yakubu added that the network’s participation signals strong confidence in Governor Makinde’s leadership and commitment to rebuilding the PDP ahead of future elections.
