Tensions are escalating within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as over 3,000 delegates prepare to converge on Ibadan, Oyo State, for a national elective convention slated for November 15–16, 2025. The event has deepened the ongoing rift between the two major factions of the party.
On one side is the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, backed by the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), and the Forum of State Chairmen. On the opposing side stands FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has formed a parallel leadership structure with his own chairman.
Recently, Justice James Omotosho issued a ruling restraining the PDP from holding the convention, citing procedural violations regarding INEC notification. In response, the Damagum-led NWC suspended Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), and Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary) for one month over alleged anti-party activities.
However, in a swift counteraction, the Anyanwu faction suspended Damagum and his NWC, naming Abdulrahman Mohammed, the Deputy National Vice Chairman (North Central), as the new acting National Chairman.
Amid the legal tussle, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court granted an ex parte order authorizing the PDP to proceed with the Ibadan convention — a ruling the Damagum camp now considers binding.
Speaking anonymously, a party official confirmed, “Over 3,000 delegates, including super delegates and former officeholders, will participate in the Ibadan convention.”
He added that the Akintola order supersedes previous court directives, emphasizing that the party is “at liberty to obey the latest ruling.”
Meanwhile, Senator Anyanwu insists the convention remains illegal, warning that INEC will not monitor an event not properly communicated within the 21-day legal timeframe.
Adding to the tension, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused Governor Seyi Makinde of fueling the crisis due to alleged presidential ambitions for 2027.
Osadolor said, “What they’re planning in Ibadan is not a PDP national convention, it’s an early Christmas party organized by Governor Makinde and his allies.”
As both camps dig in, reconciliation committees are meeting this week to decide the fate of the embattled convention, a decision that could shape the future of Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
