Preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention are in full swing in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite a conflicting court order restraining the opposition party from proceeding with the event scheduled for November 15–16, 2025.
Delegates began arriving in the city on Friday, while the Lekan Salami Stadium, venue of the convention, has been fully decorated in the PDP’s red, white, and green colours. Party officials were seen inspecting facilities ahead of the convention, with the PDP declaring publicly that it is ready to proceed.
The build-up to the event has been marked by judicial contradictions. An Oyo State High Court ruled last week that the party should continue its preparations for the convention. Days later, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a conflicting order, halting the exercise and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise or recognise it.
Amid the confusion, a faction led by Sam Anyanwu on Thursday announced a postponement of the convention, but the Umar Damagum-led leadership rejected the claim, insisting the dates remain unchanged.
On its official social media handle, the PDP reaffirmed that November 15–16 remain “irrevocable dates” for the elective national convention, a position endorsed by stakeholders during a meeting on Thursday night at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja. Attendees included members of the National Working Committee, serving and former governors, National Assembly members, Board of Trustees (BoT) members, and state chairmen.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the party to suspend the convention altogether and instead set up a caretaker committee to steer its affairs. Saraki, who served two terms as governor of Kwara State under the PDP, said such a step would promote reconciliation and restore confidence among members preparing for future elections.
“This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the party,” Saraki wrote on X, arguing that a caretaker committee remains the only viable solution amid the leadership tussle and conflicting judicial directives.
Despite these calls, the PDP appears resolved to press ahead with the convention as scheduled, setting the stage for an intense political showdown over the weekend.
