Tension is rising across the rival camps of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as more than 3,000 delegates prepare to storm Ibadan, Oyo State, for the party’s national elective convention, Frontline Reporters has learnt.
The convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, has become a major flashpoint in the escalating conflict between the two opposing sides within the party.
On one side is the National Working Committee (NWC) led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, who enjoys the backing of the PDP Governors Forum, the Board of Trustees, and state chairmen. Opposing them is the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which has installed its own chairman and continues to challenge the governors’ authority.
A dramatic twist occurred penultimate Friday when Justice James Omotosho issued a ruling restraining the party from proceeding with the convention. The order also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the exercise, citing procedural lapses in the party’s notification process.
In response, the Damagum-led NWC suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade; and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature for one month over alleged anti-party activities.
Within 24 hours, Anyanwu’s camp returned fire by announcing the suspension of Damagum and the entire NWC. They further named Deputy National Vice Chairman (North Central), Abdulrahman Mohammed, as the new acting National Chairman.
Amid these conflicting actions, the Damagum faction secured an ex parte order from Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, directing the PDP to proceed with the convention. This reignited preparations by governors and other stakeholders, even as Wike, Anyanwu, and their supporters insist the convention cannot hold.
A senior PDP official told Frontline Reporters on Sunday that more than 3,000 delegates are expected in Ibadan.
“Over 3,000 delegates will participate,” he said. “We have super delegates and elected delegates. Those claiming certain states are disenfranchised because congresses didn’t hold are being mischievous.”
He argued that Justice Akintola’s ruling supersedes the previous court order, giving the party legal ground to proceed.
He added, “There are two court orders from courts of equal jurisdiction. Some lawyers say the most recent order is the valid one. So, we are proceeding.”
He dismissed Anyanwu’s faction as a “renegade group,” saying they lack the constitutional authority to convene meetings or take decisions.
Another party official noted that ongoing reconciliation efforts may shape the coming days.
“I cannot be categorical now,” he said. “Several committees are working behind the scenes. By Wednesday, the direction should be clearer.”
He emphasised that a successful convention is crucial to stabilising the PDP.
Anyanwu insists convention won’t hold
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, however, maintains the Ibadan convention will not hold and warned that any attempt to proceed would amount to contempt of court.
“The law has spoken,” he told Frontline Reporters. “INEC will not monitor the convention. There has been no valid communication within the required 21-day notice period.”
Former Kaduna State Governor and Board of Trustees member, Ahmed Makarfi, also said only the NWC can clarify the status of the convention.
“Only the NWC can provide information,” he said.
Makinde accused of deepening crisis
Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, a key member of the Wike-led camp, accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of fuelling the crisis because of his rumoured 2027 presidential ambition.
According to him, any convention held without reconciliation would further fracture the party.
He dismissed the Ibadan convention as nothing more than “an early Christmas party organised by Makinde and his friends.”
He faulted the refusal to address grievances highlighted by Justice Omotosho’s ruling.
“If you cannot follow your own rules, how can you convince Nigerians you will follow the Constitution?” he asked.
Responding to comments from party elder Bode George, Osadolor said George should adopt a more neutral, reconciliatory stance.
“He should not be partisan. The house is divided. An elder should not have a favourite child,” he said.
Osadolor warned that the PDP risks sliding into a leadership vacuum.
“If the right thing is not done, there may be an automatic extension of Abdulrahman Mohammed’s tenure or the party may end up with no leadership at all.”
He also rejected suggestions that Wike is trying to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“Nobody should vilify Wike,” he said. “He is not the problem of the party.”
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