By Abiola Olawale
The political spotlight in Nigeria has shifted to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is set to hold its elective National Convention on Saturday, November 15th, and Sunday, November 16th, 2025.
The New Diplomat reports that the city is currently abuzz with activity as thousands of accredited PDP delegates from all 36 states and the FCT are arriving in groups, signaling the final readiness for the gathering.
The development comes amid two court judgments that have halted the National Convention and the plunging of the party into two factions, one led by Damagum and one believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that over 3,000 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to attend the event.
The delegates are expected to elect new national officers, including a new National Chairman, National Secretary, and other key members of the NWC and their deputies.
The National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Kamorudeen Ajisafe made this known while addressing the press.
AAjisafe confirmed that delegates, state chairmen, and party stakeholders were already arriving in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of the party’s convention.
Ajisafe, also said the party had secured the attendance of delegates from at least two-thirds of the 36 states, meeting the constitutional requirement for a valid convention.
He said: “The convention is still very much on. People have started arriving—delegates, stakeholders, state chairmen. We have secured two-thirds attendance of states, apart from one or two that we are doubting. So, even if you don’t have all 36 states, you are still good to go with two-thirds.”
On proceeding despite conflicting court judgments, Ajisafe stressed that only a ruling from a superior court would be binding on the convention.
“From the legal point of view, when there are conflicting judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, the judgment is not binding on either party. It becomes persuasive. And it’s only a superior court that can give direction,” he explained.
Ajisafe also said the party expected representatives from both security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the venue.
“INEC will be there because we have met the stipulated rules and regulations of engagement with INEC, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, which requires notification 21 days before the convention. We have done that and even attended the National Executive Committee meeting afterwards. So, we are good to go,” he said.
However, another factional Chairman of the PDP, Mohammed AbdulRahman, has urged delegates to stay away from the purported national convention.
He made the call at a meeting of progressive and democratic stakeholders loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at his residence on Thursday.
AbdulRahman stated: “I want to make it clear to all PDP members across the 36 states and the FCT that our position is open. We are law-abiding citizens and will act in line with the judgment of the Federal High Court and the other ruling delivered yesterday (Wednesday). We will obey both judgments.
“We call on all our delegates across the federation to stay away from the purported national convention in Ibadan. The decisions of the courts will stand, and we are committed to ensuring a stable democracy in Nigeria. As Acting National Chairman, with the support of the working committee and the Board Chairman, we will engage our leaders across the 36 states to return the party to its rightful owners—the electorate and Nigerians at large.”
In the buildup to the event, the National Working Committee, led by Damagum, suspended the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for one month for alleged anti-party activities.
Recall also that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja in his ruling placed the convention on hold, citing the party’s failure to abide by its own rules.
The judge also barred INEC from monitoring the event.
Relief, however, came the way of the Damagum-led NWC when Justice Ladiran Akintola, through an ex parte motion, directed the PDP to conduct the convention.
Earlier in the week, Justice Peter Lifu appeared to have dashed the hope of the main opposition party when ruling on a suit brought before him by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, suspended the convention, citing Lamido ‘s inability to get a nomination form to vie for the Office of the National Chairman at the convention.
Again, Justice Akintola extended his interim order and directed the PDP to go ahead with the convention.
