Reign of controversy as courts clash over PDP’s Ibadan convention

By Paul Dada

It is controversy time as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forges ahead to hold its  National Convention in Ibadan the Oyo State Capital, on Saturday and Sunday, amid conflicting court orders.

A Babel of Court Orders

In October, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had  restrained the PDP from holding the convention.

This was in a suit by  aggrieved party members believed to be loyal to the fiery and embattled Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nysesom Wike. They contended that the PDP failed to comply with both its internal constitution and relevant national laws.

Justice Omotosho in his verdict, held that  valid state congresses were not held in many states, and that PDP did not issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC, thus violating procedural requirements.

But in a move which can be deemed as a mockery of judiciary, the Umar Damagun-led executive members filed am ex parte motion before an Oyo State High Court asking for leave to conduct the congress. The Ibadan court has a coordinate jurisdiction with the Federal High Court.

In its ruling, the Oyo Court presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, granted an interim injunction on November 3, 2025, allowing the convention to go on as scheduled.

The court barred any interference  with the party’s published “guidelines, timetable, and schedule” Importantly, the court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to send observers to monitor the convention in Ibadan.

The Sule Lamido Twist 

PDP stalwart and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, who had been breathing fire and brimstone, as he alleged that he was denied the purchase of the nomination form for the national chairmanship of the party, approached a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu.

On November 11, Justice Lifu barred the PDP from conducting the convention, and preventing INEC from recognising or monitoring it.

Oyo Court Extends its Interim Irder

Unfazed, the PDP leadership approached the Oyo Court again. Justice Akintola extended his interim order on November 12 as he maintained protection for the convention’s planned schedule until at least the next substantive hearing.

A Prolonged Legal Duel

The extension by the Oyo Court further complicates the matter. While the state court is backing the convention, the courts in Abuja are pushing to halt it.

A resolution by the higher courts

It is not unlikely that an appeal against the convention will be lodged by the aggrieved ones at the Appeal Court. The matter could get to the Supreme Court which has the power to take a final decision.