By Our Correspondent
The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, to proceed with the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The order was given in suit No. I/1336/2025, filed by a PDP member, Folahan Malomo Adelabi, who sought the court’s intervention to prevent any disruption or postponement of the planned convention. The court directed the party to strictly follow its approved timetable, guidelines, and schedule of activities for the event.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also ordered to attend, monitor, and observe the convention proceedings pending further hearing of the motion on notice.
The judge stressed the importance of compliance with the PDP’s constitution and democratic procedures, warning that any deviation could attract legal consequences. The case was adjourned to November 10, 2025, for hearing on the substantive motion.
The defendants in the matter include the PDP, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, the Governor of Adamawa State, who serves as the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee, and INEC.
The ruling followed growing concerns within the party over alleged plans to delay or disrupt the convention amid internal disputes in the national leadership. Adelabi argued that such actions would violate the PDP constitution and undermine internal democracy.
The court’s decision provides temporary legal backing for the PDP to go ahead with its convention as planned, though political observers note that the party may still face challenges in reconciling its internal divisions. The PDP has been struggling with leadership disputes and zoning controversies, issues that the upcoming convention is expected to address.
Analysts believe the Ibadan convention could mark a turning point for the opposition party as it works to reorganize and strengthen its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
