The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again plunged into deep crisis following a Federal High Court order stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice James Omotosho issued the restraining order after ruling on a suit questioning the legality of the proposed convention — a decision that has reopened old wounds within Nigeria’s main opposition party. Despite the judgment, the PDP leadership insists the convention will hold as scheduled, calling the ruling an “attack on internal democracy” and the party’s constitutional right to self-govern.
In a swift counter-move, the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended key officials including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha for alleged constitutional breaches. But tension escalated when a rival faction fired back with its own suspensions — this time targeting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba.
Party chieftain Sani Umar dismissed the counter-suspensions as “illegal and reactionary,” insisting that only the NWC’s 15-member majority had the authority to discipline erring members. He accused the opposing camp of “desperation” and “shameless power play,” noting that their meeting did not meet the quorum requirement under the PDP Constitution.
Umar also criticised Justice Omotosho’s ruling, alleging judicial bias and vowing to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC). According to him, the judgment granted reliefs not requested by the plaintiffs — a move he described as “prejudicial, premeditated, and politically motivated.”
Beyond the courtroom, insiders say the PDP’s current storm is part of a broader power struggle between governors and other party organs ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The governors are the biggest pressure group in the PDP. Those who control the convention will determine the future — from national leadership to presidential tickets,” a senior NEC member revealed.
Amid the chaos, former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido’s renewed involvement has further complicated internal alignments, with reports linking him to the Wike camp. His late attempt to buy nomination forms, party insiders say, was “more symbolic than serious.”
As legal battles intensify and factions trade suspensions, analysts warn that the PDP’s greatest challenge lies not in the courtroom but in restoring unity and credibility. For a party still struggling to recover from post-2023 divisions, the Ibadan convention could either mark a new beginning — or deepen its path toward fragmentation.
