PDP crisis: 3,000 delegates set for high-stakes convention
By Daniel J Ojukwu
Tension has intensified within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as over 3,000 delegates prepare to gather in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the party’s national elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025. The convention, meant to elect new members of the National Working Committee, is coming amid a deepening leadership tussle between two rival factions of the party.
The party, divided between the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and the camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been locked in a legal and political battle over control of the PDP’s structures. While Damagum’s faction enjoys the backing of most governors, members of the Board of Trustees, and state chairmen, the Wike-led bloc has continued to assert its influence and question the legality of the planned convention.
A recent ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court restrained the PDP from holding the convention, citing non-compliance with internal party rules and procedures for notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The same order also directed INEC not to monitor or validate any such event conducted without proper authorization.
In response, the Damagum-led National Working Committee suspended key officials, including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and two others for alleged anti-party activities. Within 24 hours, the suspended officials announced the suspension of Damagum and his team, naming Abdulrahman Mohammed, the PDP Deputy National Vice Chairman (North Central), as acting National Chairman.
However, the power struggle took another twist when the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, granted an ex parte order permitting the PDP to proceed with the Ibadan convention. The development effectively created two conflicting court directives, leaving the party to decide which one to obey.
An official at the PDP national secretariat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said preparations for the convention were in top gear despite the legal disputes. “More than 3,000 delegates, including super delegates, will be in Ibadan to elect a new leadership. The convention will go ahead because the most recent court order allows it,” the source said.
The official further argued that the Wike-backed camp lacked legitimacy, saying, “The National Chairman, according to our constitution, is the only one who can summon an NWC meeting. Those claiming to suspend the NWC are acting outside the law.”
Another senior party member disclosed that reconciliation committees were still holding talks to prevent further division. “Several meetings are ongoing to find common ground. By midweek, we expect clearer direction from the leadership,” he noted.
Party insiders believe the outcome of the convention could determine the PDP’s future, as both camps battle to control the leadership ahead of upcoming elections.