PDP Crisis: Olafeso Accuses Party Opponents Of Plotting One-Party State

Abuja — Former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eddy Olafeso, has accused those opposing the party’s forthcoming national convention of working to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.

Olafeso condemned the Federal High Court’s decision restraining the PDP from holding its convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, describing it as “the climax of judicial rascality.”

“The restraining order from the Federal High Court today against our scheduled convention did not come as a shock to us.
A group is focused on ensuring that they destroy the party completely, but we will not allow it. Good will prevail over evil,” Olafeso said.

He maintained that the PDP would not be deterred by the ruling, expressing optimism that the convention would still hold despite the court order.

“We will not allow this. I’m energised, like many of our colleagues, that this shall not stand. The truth and justice must prevail,” he added.

‘They Want To Weaken The Opposition’

Olafeso alleged that those behind the legal actions had ulterior motives aimed at weakening the opposition and entrenching a one-party system.

“They have their agenda. It is not for the people. It is to entrench a one-party state, and that cannot occur well for our country.
Many of them were unknown until they became governors. What baffles us is the level of their rebellion against the same party that brought them from obscurity to the limelight,” he said.

He also accused some former PDP members of betraying the party after benefitting from its platform.

“They made promises. Even Governor Sule Lamido said he would stay in the PDP and work for the coalition. Yet, some of them now openly support another party for the 2027 election,” Olafeso added.

Court Halts PDP Convention

Earlier on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding or monitoring the planned convention in Ibadan.

The order followed a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who alleged he was denied the opportunity to purchase the nomination form for the national chairmanship position.

Justice Lifu ruled that the PDP failed to publish the timetable for the convention as required by law and violated due process. He cautioned that disregard for the rule of law could lead to anarchy.

“Due process is essential in a constitutional democracy,” the judge said, directing the PDP not to hold the convention until it complies with all legal requirements.

This is the second time in recent months the party’s convention has been stopped by a court order.

In October, Justice James Omotosho of the same court suspended the planned exercise pending the party’s compliance with its constitution and the Electoral Act.

Meanwhile, an Oyo State High Court earlier granted the PDP temporary approval to continue preparations for the convention, but the matter was later adjourned to allow all parties to file necessary documents before substantive hearing.