…Amid legal turmoil and reconciliation efforts
The stage is set, as delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stormed Ibadan, Oyo state capital, ahead of the party’s highly anticipated National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
In a post on its official Facebook page, the PDP welcomed “Delegates, Governors, and Stakeholders for the Historic National Elective Convention”, declaring that the ancient city “is fully prepared to host the PDP National Elective Convention, #Ibadan2025”.
Oyo State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Venue Sub-committee, Engr. Bayo Lawal, after inspecting the stadium, affirmed that all preparations — including accreditation and security — would be completed before the opening ceremony.
Despite conflicting court orders and calls for a caretaker committee, PDP leaders insist the convention will proceed as planned. Governor Umar Fintiri, of Adamawa State, who chairs the National Convention Organising Committee, reiterated after a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja that the event “is sacrosanct”.
Adding to the complexity, the PDP reconciliation committee recently submitted a report suggesting the establishment of a Caretaker Committee (CTC) due to fears of a failed convention that could hinder the party’s ability to field candidates nationally. The report also called for an urgent reversal of suspensions within the party factions to foster genuine reconciliation.
In a surprising turn of events, former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamiɗo announced his decision to withdraw his legal case against the PDP following a meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. “I am in full support. The National Convention can now go on”, Lamiɗo declared.
However, concerns remain. Earlier in the day, the PDP Reconciliation Committee submitted a report warning that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may decline to monitor the convention due to conflicting court orders.
The panel recommended the formation of a Caretaker Committee to prevent a potential collapse of the convention outcome that could jeopardise the party’s ability to field candidates nationwide. It also urged the lifting of suspensions imposed by rival factions to allow for genuine reconciliation.
