The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the green light to go ahead with its long-awaited elective national convention slated for November 15–16, 2025. The court’s decision effectively removes the last legal hurdle standing in the way of the opposition party’s plan to reorganize its leadership structure and reposition itself ahead of future elections.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, November 3, 2025, Justice A. L. Akintola issued an interim order authorizing the PDP to proceed with preparations for the two-day convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend and monitor the exercise in accordance with its constitutional responsibility to oversee internal party elections.
According to reports monitored by Channels Television, the order followed an ex-parte motion filed by one Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, who chairs the PDP National Convention Organising Committee; and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Adelabi, a member of the party from the South-West zone, had approached the court seeking an injunction to restrain the PDP and its officials from tampering with the convention timetable or altering the list of delegates and guidelines previously approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He argued that there were ongoing efforts by some members of the party’s leadership to delay or manipulate the process, which could cause confusion and disenfranchise legitimate delegates.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Akintola held that the claimant had presented a credible and urgent case that required the court’s intervention to prevent potential disruption of the party’s internal democratic process.
“The motion ex-parte has merit and succeeds as prayed,” Justice Akintola declared. “Accordingly, the respondents are hereby restrained, whether by themselves, their agents, or privies, from taking any steps that may alter, disrupt, or in any way interfere with the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion for interlocutory injunction.”
The judge further ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to attend, observe, and monitor the PDP national convention as provided under Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022. The law mandates political parties to notify INEC of any convention, congress, or meeting for the purpose of electing party officials, and grants the Commission the right to observe such proceedings to ensure compliance with internal democracy provisions.
The interim order, which was duly sealed by the Oyo State High Court and endorsed by its Principal Registrar, S. O. Hammed, provides temporary relief to the PDP and its convention planning committee. Justice Akintola adjourned the case for the hearing of the substantive motion for an interlocutory injunction to November 10, 2025, just five days before the planned convention.
The ruling effectively allows the party to continue its preparations without fear of legal encumbrance, at least until the next court sitting. The decision was widely welcomed within the PDP hierarchy, as it ensures that the party’s long-awaited leadership transition process can proceed as scheduled.
Sources within the party headquarters in Abuja confirmed that the convention will be a key turning point for the PDP as it seeks to resolve internal divisions, elect new national officers, and lay the groundwork for its 2027 electoral strategy. The convention, expected to draw thousands of delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, will feature the election of a new National Chairman, National Secretary, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, who assumed the role after the suspension of former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu in 2023, has been leading a caretaker administration pending the conduct of the elective convention. Under his leadership, the party has witnessed both progress and tension, with factions loyal to different blocs within the PDP’s broad coalition pushing for greater influence ahead of the national congress.
Party insiders told reporters that preparations for the Ibadan convention were already in advanced stages, with the Convention Planning Committee chaired by Governor Umaru Fintiri working round the clock to finalize logistics, security arrangements, and delegate accreditation procedures. The court’s pronouncement, they said, would now allow the committee to move forward with confidence.
“This judgment is a welcome development. It gives the party and all stakeholders the legal assurance to continue preparations without distraction,” a senior member of the committee said. “Our goal is to deliver a transparent, credible, and inclusive convention that will restore unity within the PDP and strengthen our position ahead of 2027.”
Legal experts have also weighed in on the ruling, describing it as an important affirmation of judicial support for internal party democracy. Barrister Uche Onwuama, a constitutional lawyer, noted that Justice Akintola’s decision aligns with past judicial precedents which emphasize that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs in line with their constitutions, provided such actions comply with the law.
“What the court has done is to ensure that the PDP’s internal democratic process is not hijacked or derailed by vested interests,” Onwuama explained. “The order preserves the status quo and allows the party to carry out its constitutional functions without interference. It also underscores the oversight role of INEC in guaranteeing transparency.”
In recent months, the PDP has been grappling with internal disputes over zoning arrangements, leadership succession, and control of key structures within the party. Several high-profile members had expressed concern that the absence of a clear leadership transition framework could deepen factionalism and weaken the party’s ability to serve as a credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
By affirming the legality of the November convention, analysts say the Oyo High Court ruling could serve as a catalyst for reconciliation and renewal within the party. Political observers believe that the choice of Ibadan as the venue also holds symbolic significance, as the city has historically played host to major turning points in Nigeria’s political evolution.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to issue an official statement on the court order, though sources within the Commission confirmed that preparations are already underway to deploy observers to the convention venue in line with the court’s directive.
As the countdown to November 15 begins, the focus within the PDP is now shifting toward consensus building and negotiations among major stakeholders. Aspirants for key national positions are expected to begin submitting their nomination forms this week, while consultations continue among governors, former ministers, and members of the National Assembly on possible power-sharing arrangements.
The Oyo court’s ruling has not only provided legal clarity but also reinvigorated optimism among party loyalists who see the forthcoming convention as an opportunity to reposition the PDP for a strong comeback.
With the adjournment of the substantive motion to November 10 — just five days before delegates converge on Ibadan — all eyes will be on the Oyo State High Court once again to determine whether the interim relief will be sustained or vacated. For now, however, the PDP appears set to move forward with its plans, buoyed by judicial backing and renewed enthusiasm among its members.
If all goes as scheduled, the November convention will mark a critical moment in the party’s post-2023 reorganization efforts, potentially setting the tone for its role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
