Court Extends Order as PDP Insists Ibadan Convention Will Hold

The political atmosphere in Ibadan remains tense as the Oyo State High Court has again extended its interim order restraining any interference with the planned National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025.

Justice Ladiran Akintola, who presided over the case, ruled that the earlier injunction granted on an ex-parte motion by the claimant will continue to stand until Friday, when the substantive case comes up for further hearing. The decision effectively shields the PDP from any external disruption to its planned convention.

During proceedings, counsels representing both parties presented their arguments before the court adjourned the matter. Justice Akintola also ruled on an application for joinder filed by another interested party but noted that it could not be entertained since the affidavit was not signed by the deponent.

Counsel to the defendant, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), objected, arguing that the absence of a signature did not invalidate the application as the deponent’s identity was already established. The judge, however, maintained that the application must be properly filed before it can be accepted.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), counsel to the claimant, confirmed that the interim order remains valid and enforceable. He explained that the court discovered the unsigned affidavit while preparing to take the application for joinder. “The other party has indicated interest to file another one. That’s what happened in court today,” he said.

The ruling means the injunction earlier granted by the court continues to protect the PDP’s right to proceed with its convention while the case is being heard. It would be recalled that the court had earlier authorised the PDP to go ahead with the event, provided the party adheres strictly to its timetable and internal guidelines.

The claimant had sought an order restraining Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State (who chairs the National Convention Organising Committee), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from frustrating or halting the exercise.

Meanwhile, the PDP has reaffirmed that its convention will go on as planned this weekend in Ibadan, dismissing rumours of postponement. In a statement signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the PDP described the reports as false and misleading.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) and the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee wish to inform members and the public that the PDP convention will hold as scheduled on Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16, 2025,” Ologunagba said.

He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring misinformation to derail the opposition’s major event. “We are aware of the APC’s failed attempt to stop our national convention through false claims and propaganda,” he added.

According to the PDP, the ruling party’s alleged interference amounts to an attempt to destabilise the opposition and weaken Nigeria’s democracy. The statement read: “The PDP will lawfully resist any plot by the APC to impose a one-party system on this country. Our democracy thrives when strong opposition exists, and we remain committed to that principle.”

As the case resumes on Friday, all eyes are on the Oyo High Court to determine whether the interim order will be made permanent — a decision that could either smooth or stall the PDP’s much-anticipated national convention in Ibadan.