In a dramatic turn of events, the political landscape in Nigeria is heating up as a legal battle unfolds over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) upcoming national convention. But here’s where it gets controversial: while an Oyo State High Court has given the green light for the convention to proceed, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is having none of it, dismissing the ruling outright. This clash of legal decisions has left many scratching their heads and asking: which court’s ruling takes precedence? And this is the part most people miss—the deeper implications of this power struggle within the PDP, which could reshape the party’s future.
On Tuesday, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court granted an ex parte motion filed by Folahan Adelabi, effectively lifting the ban on the PDP’s proposed national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. The judge ordered that the party leadership adhere strictly to the guidelines and timetable already set for the convention. Additionally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was directed to monitor the event in compliance with the Electoral Act. The ruling was seen as a victory for the faction pushing for the convention to go ahead, but it directly contradicts a previous judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Just last Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had halted the convention, ruling that the PDP must first comply with its own constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act. The judge also mandated that the party provide the statutory 21-day notice to INEC before proceeding. This decision was based on a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members—Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George—who argued that the party had not followed due process. Justice Omotosho’s ruling was clear: the PDP needed to ‘put its house in order’ before moving forward.
Here’s the kicker: Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant, Lere Olayinka, has vehemently rejected the Oyo court’s ruling, insisting that the Abuja judgment holds more weight. ‘Is an ex parte order, which expires in seven to 14 days, supposed to override a full judgment?’ Wike questioned, highlighting the legal nuances that often escape public scrutiny. He further criticized the move to seek an order in Ibadan after the Abuja court had already ruled, calling it a misguided attempt to circumvent justice.
This legal tug-of-war is just the tip of the iceberg in the PDP’s ongoing internal crisis. And this is where it gets even more contentious: the party is now split into factions, with embattled National Chairman Umar Damagum taking action against former members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. Damagum notified INEC of the NWC’s decision to suspend Anyanwu and four others for alleged anti-party activities, a move that has further deepened the rift within the party.
Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, backed by Wike, has assumed the role of acting national chairman, vowing to ‘return power to the people.’ This power play has sparked accusations of leadership failure, with Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor pointing fingers at the party’s governors for the turmoil. ‘They are neither here nor there in party administration,’ Osadolor remarked, though he exempted Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa from the criticism.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the PDP’s internal crisis a result of leadership vacuum, or is it a symptom of deeper structural issues within the party? As the convention date looms, the stakes are higher than ever, and the outcome could redefine the PDP’s trajectory. What do you think? Is Wike right to challenge the Oyo court’s ruling, or should the party move forward with the convention? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!
