PDP Pushes Ahead With National Convention Despite Conflicting Court Orders

Preparations are underway for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite two conflicting court rulings on whether the event should hold.

Conflicting Court Decisions

• Oyo High Court: Ordered the PDP and Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to proceed with preparations.
• Abuja High Court: Issued an order stopping the PDP from holding the convention and instructed INEC not to supervise or recognise it.

Internal Party Disputes

• A faction led by Sam Anyanwu announced that the convention had been postponed.
• The Damagum-led leadership rejected the claim, insisting the dates remain unchanged.

Stakeholders Declare Dates ‘Irrevocable’

Despite the legal tussle, PDP stakeholders met Thursday night at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, and unanimously reaffirmed:

November 15–16, 2025 remain irrevocable dates for the National Convention.

Attendance at the meeting included:

• National Working Committee members
• Serving and former governors
• National Assembly members
• Board of Trustees members
• State party chairmen

Preparations in Ibadan

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, decorations and facilities were fully set up. Delegates have begun arriving, and party officials have inspected the venue. The PDP posted images and videos online expressing readiness.

Saraki’s Call for Suspension

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the PDP to suspend the convention entirely, arguing that:

• The party should instead set up a Caretaker Committee.
• This would open the way for reconciliation and restore confidence for aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

Saraki described this approach as the best path toward stability and unity within the party.