Ibadan, Oyo State — The Oyo State capital is bustling with last-minute preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention, as tensions rise between rival factions within the opposition party.

Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, the convention is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in the PDP’s history, with some party members withdrawing in protest.

In the lead-up, the National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman Umar Damagum, suspended the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for one month over alleged anti-party activities.

The move follows a ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which temporarily halted the convention, citing the party’s failure to follow its own rules. Omotosho noted that designated officials did not sign the convention notice before sending it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and subsequently barred INEC from monitoring the event.

Relief came for the Damagum-led NWC when Justice Ladiran Akintola, via an ex parte motion, allowed the PDP to proceed with the convention. Earlier, Justice Peter Lifu had suspended the event following a suit by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who challenged his exclusion from contesting for National Chairman. Justice Akintola later extended an interim order permitting the convention to continue.

Preparations at Lekan Salami Stadium, the convention venue, are in full swing, with decorations and stage setups ongoing. Over 3,000 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected, alongside party leaders, stakeholders, and international observers. The event will feature elections for key national officers, including the National Chairman, National Secretary, and other NWC positions.

The convention is set to be inclusive, with live coverage in English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, and global broadcasts planned.

Delegates Confirmed

PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed that delegates, state chairmen, and party stakeholders are already arriving in Ibadan. By Thursday night, several delegates from various states had reached the venue. Ajisafe stated that the attendance from at least two-thirds of the states met the constitutional requirement for a valid convention, adding that legal clarity would only come from a superior court in case of conflicting rulings.

He also confirmed that INEC and security agencies are expected to be present, noting that all legal requirements under the Electoral Act 2022 have been fulfilled.

Responding to former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s call for a caretaker committee, Ajisafe said that moving forward with the convention would provide direction on whether such a committee is needed, warning that Saraki’s proposal could worsen internal party disputes.

Olajide Stanley, Secretary of the Venue Sub-Committee, reported that the venue setup was about 60% complete, with stages, flags, and decorations in progress under the supervision of Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal. Logistics, including traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, remain a challenge given the number of participants and equipment being transported.

An INEC official stated that its legal team is reviewing court orders, with a decision on attendance expected before the convention begins.

Saraki Urges Suspension

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on the PDP leadership to suspend the elective convention scheduled for November 15–16, warning that proceeding under the current circumstances could exacerbate the party’s crisis. Speaking from Abuja while receiving members of the PDP Board of Trustees Reconciliation Team, Saraki said political disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than litigation.

Saraki proposed the formation of a caretaker committee to temporarily steer the party, restore confidence among members, and provide a credible platform for aspirants. PDP chieftain Gbenga Hashim-Olawepo echoed Saraki’s position, stressing that a premature convention could deepen factional divides.

George Criticises Saraki

Former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Bode George, dismissed Saraki’s call for a caretaker committee, describing it as “arrant nonsense.” George insisted that the convention should proceed as planned, noting that delegates were already arriving in Ibadan. He warned anyone attempting to disrupt the party to stay away, invoking the party founders’ legacy.

AbdulRahman, Wike Faction Call for Caution

Factional PDP Chairman Mohammed AbdulRahman urged delegates to avoid the convention, citing compliance with Federal High Court rulings. Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the factional Board of Trustees, also warned that participation in the convention would violate court orders. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike affirmed support for law-abiding members and emphasized upholding the rule of law. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the Wike-led faction, described the Ibadan event as “an early Christmas party, not a convention.”

Lamido’s Suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja did not deliver judgment on former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido’s suit challenging his exclusion from contesting for the PDP chairmanship. Justice Peter Lifu had initially scheduled judgment for November 13 but informed parties that it was not ready, with a new date to be communicated. Lamido had sought to stop the convention and prevent INEC from recognizing its outcome.

Rivers PDP Divisions

The Rivers State PDP remains split. Factional chairman Robinson Ewor confirmed participation in the convention, while the Wike-aligned faction, represented by Kenneth Yorwika, said it would not attend, citing court rulings and incomplete state congresses. Yorwika stressed the need for party unity ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that unresolved disputes could weaken the party nationally.