Court Clears PDP to Hold National Convention
The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the go-ahead to proceed with its Elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. I/1336/2025 filed by Folahan Malamo Adelabi, an aspirant for the position of Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Justice A. L. Akintola directed that no party organ, officer, servant, or agent should disrupt or interfere with the established guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities leading to the convention.
The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor and observe the proceedings in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution.
Justice Akintola further mandated the Chairman of the National Convention Organizing Committee, Governor Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri, to continue all necessary arrangements for the exercise, affirming that the convention remains a valid and lawful party process.
Background to the Ruling
The judgment comes amid an intense leadership crisis that has gripped the PDP in recent weeks.
Following a series of legal tussles and internal disagreements over the tenure and legitimacy of certain national officers, various factions within the party had expressed concerns over whether the planned convention would proceed as scheduled.
The PDP had released a timetable for its Elective National Convention, where key national positions, including the offices of National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, National Secretary, and other National Working Committee (NWC) posts, are expected to be contested.
The internal wrangling intensified after conflicting court rulings from Abuja and other jurisdictions created uncertainty over who holds the authority to convene or supervise party meetings.
The Oyo High Court’s latest decision is seen as a major legal relief for the PDP leadership, paving the way for the smooth conduct of the convention and reaffirming the party’s right to manage its internal affairs within the bounds of the law.
Party sources say “the National Convention Committee chaired by Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has already concluded major logistical arrangements for the two-day convention, which will be attended by delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”
The ruling is also expected to restore a measure of confidence among party members and aspirants, many of whom had feared that prolonged legal distractions could derail preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Next Steps
With the court’s directive, the PDP is now set to finalise its accreditation processes, screening of aspirants, and distribution of delegate materials ahead of the November 15–16 convention.
INEC officials are expected to be on ground in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, to observe and monitor proceedings as required by law.
The ruling is widely viewed as a step toward stabilizing the opposition party and positioning it for a more united front ahead of future electoral contests.
