PDP Pushes Ahead With Ibadan Convention Despite Court Order

Preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Convention are in full swing in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite a court order directing the opposition party to halt the event. The convention is scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, and by Friday, the party appeared determined to proceed.

Last week, a High Court in Oyo State permitted the PDP and its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, to continue preparations for the convention. But days later, a separate High Court in Abuja issued a conflicting ruling, ordering the party to suspend the exercise and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise or recognise it.

The conflicting rulings deepened internal tension. On Thursday, a faction led by Sam Anyanwu announced that the convention had been postponed, a claim immediately dismissed by the Damagum-led leadership.

Despite the legal uncertainty, the PDP has maintained that the convention dates remain unchanged.

Preparations Continue as Stakeholders Reaffirm Dates

By Friday, activity at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan had intensified. The venue was fully decorated in PDP colours, and delegates from across the country had begun arriving ahead of the two-day event.
Party officials were seen inspecting the facility, while the PDP’s official social media handles shared images of the venue, describing the atmosphere as “fully aglow” and ready for what they called a defining moment for the party’s journey to 2027.

Hours later, PDP stakeholders met at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where they unanimously reaffirmed November 15 and 16 as “irrevocable” dates for the 2025 Elective National Convention.
Those present included members of the National Working Committee, serving and former governors, National Assembly members, Board of Trustees representatives, and state chairmen.

See also: BREAKING: Court Blocks PDP from Holding National Convention Again

Saraki Calls for Caretaker Committee

Amid the escalating controversy, former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the PDP to suspend the convention entirely.
Saraki argued that the party should instead constitute a caretaker committee to stabilise its internal structure and rebuild trust among members.

“The only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party for the time being,” he wrote on X after meeting with the BOT team.
He added that such a move would strengthen confidence for members intending to contest future elections under the PDP platform.

Despite Saraki’s advice and unresolved court directives, the party appears committed to pushing forward. As delegates continue trooping into Ibadan, all indications are that the PDP is prepared to proceed with its convention—court battles and internal disagreements notwithstanding.