Introduction to the Crisis
With just two days to its highly anticipated National Convention in Ibadan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again thrown into uncertainty as fresh litigations, internal divisions, and mounting legal hurdles threaten to upend the exercise. Amid conflicting court orders and deepening disquiet within its ranks, there are strong indications that the party’s leadership may opt for the constitution of a Caretaker Committee as a temporary measure to avert a total breakdown of order.
Calls for Caution and Reconciliation
Sources within the party told The Guardian on Thursday that the idea, which some senior stakeholders have quietly canvased, followed concerns that proceeding with the convention might compound existing legal troubles and expose the party to further judicial invalidation. Former Senate President and two-time governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, added a dramatic twist to the unfolding crisis on Thursday when he publicly urged the PDP to shelve the Ibadan convention, warning that “going ahead will only deepen the crisis and endanger reconciliation.”
Saraki’s Statement
In a statement issued after a meeting with members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Team led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa), Saraki lamented that the convention had become “mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal.” He maintained that political crises are best resolved through dialogue, not litigation, and advised that a Caretaker Committee should be immediately established within the next two days “to steer the affairs of the party and restore confidence among members.”
Legal Hurdles and Factions
The former Senate President maintained that “As it stands, there are conflicting court orders in relation to the validity of the scheduled convention,” and warned that proceeding with the event “will only fuel the present crisis.” Meanwhile, the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP is reportedly awaiting an injunction from the Court of Appeal to halt the Ibadan convention. The faction, which has approached the appellate court for an interpretation of the ruling of Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is confident that an order will be granted before the weekend.
Response from the Party
But the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) and the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) have dismissed the claims, describing them as a “failed attempt by the ruling APC to destabilise the opposition and impose a one-party state.” In a statement signed by Debo Ologunagba, PDP’s suspended National Publicity Secretary, the party reaffirmed that the convention will “go on as scheduled on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November 2025, in Ibadan.”
Preparations and Expectations
Already, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has taken on a festive air as banners, posters, and billboards flood major streets welcoming over 3,000 delegates from across the 36 states and the FCT. Governor Seyi Makinde, who is hosting the event, has personally overseen venue preparations at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, ensuring that logistics, security, and accommodation are in top shape. The convention, tagged #Ibadan2025, serves as a platform for the election of new national officers, including a National Chairman, and is expected to draw members of the Diplomatic Corps, who have confirmed their attendance in a show of international solidarity for democratic renewal in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Observers see this year’s convention as a make-or-break moment for the PDP, which has struggled to reclaim its footing since losing power in 2015. While some party elders advocate reconciliation and restructuring, others insist the Ibadan convention offers the best opportunity to reset the opposition’s machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections. As one party chieftain put it last night: “Whether it ends in a Caretaker Committee or a new leadership, this weekend will define the soul of the PDP and perhaps the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.”
FAQs
- Q: What is the current situation with the PDP National Convention?
A: The PDP National Convention is facing uncertainty due to fresh litigations, internal divisions, and mounting legal hurdles. - Q: What is Dr. Bukola Saraki’s stance on the convention?
A: Dr. Bukola Saraki has publicly urged the PDP to shelve the Ibadan convention to avoid deepening the crisis and endangering reconciliation. - Q: Are there any legal hurdles that could affect the convention?
A: Yes, there are conflicting court orders and the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP is awaiting an injunction from the Court of Appeal to halt the Ibadan convention. - Q: What are the preparations like for the convention in Ibadan?
A: Ibadan is prepared for the convention with banners, posters, and billboards welcoming delegates, and Governor Seyi Makinde has overseen venue preparations. - Q: What is the significance of the 2025 National Convention for the PDP?
A: The convention is seen as a make-or-break moment for the PDP, offering an opportunity to reset the opposition’s machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
