PDP Ignores Court Order, Commences Preparations for National Convention Amid Deepening Internal Rift
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its members across the country to commence full preparations for its forthcoming national convention, despite a court ruling halting the exercise. The party has also resolved to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the judgment of the Federal High Court which restrained the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with the planned convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. He described the ruling as a “direct attack on the PDP’s internal democracy and the rights of its members to freely choose their leaders.”
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had earlier ruled that the opposition party failed to comply with its own constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and INEC guidelines in preparing for the convention. The court specifically faulted the party for not conducting valid state congresses in some states and for failing to give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice required by law. It also declared invalid any convention notices signed solely by the National Chairman without the co-signature of the National Secretary.
Reacting to the decision, Ologunagba said the PDP would not be deterred, insisting that the party remains committed to its reform process and would take all necessary legal steps to vacate the order. “The judgment cannot and will not stop the party from strengthening its internal democratic structures. Our legal team has been directed to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to set aside the ruling,” he stated.
The development comes amid mounting internal tension within the party. Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are reportedly at odds with the camp loyal to the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, over the running of party affairs.
Sources within the PDP said the disagreement revolves around control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and other states, as well as the micro-zoning arrangement for key national offices ahead of the convention.
Party insiders disclosed that Wike’s loyalists have accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of sidelining them and violating agreed zoning principles, particularly in the South-South region. The feud has raised concerns about the unity of the PDP as it prepares for the convention expected to produce a new national leadership and set the tone for its 2027 election strategy.
Despite the uncertainty, the party leadership has assured members that all preparations for the Ibadan convention remain on course. “We call on our members nationwide to remain steadfast, law-abiding and united. The PDP remains a party of the people, guided by law, and we will not allow anti-democratic forces to derail our progress,” Ologunagba said.
Political observers say the outcome of the appeal and the handling of internal disputes will determine the PDP’s stability and readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
For now, the main opposition party faces the dual challenge of overcoming its legal battles and mending widening cracks within its ranks ahead of the crucial convention.
