The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the green light to proceed with its elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025.
In an interim ruling delivered by Justice A. L. Akintola, the court authorized the PDP to conduct the convention as planned in Ibadan and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor, and observe the exercise pending the determination of a substantive motion on notice.
The order followed an ex parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP; its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Governor Umaru Fintiri, who chairs the National Convention Organising Committee; and INEC. Adelabi sought to prevent any disruption or alteration to the party’s timetable and schedule of activities leading to the convention.
After considering the motion, Justice Akintola ruled that the claimant had shown sufficient grounds for urgent judicial intervention.
“The court finds merit in the claimant’s motion ex parte. The same succeeds and is hereby ordered as prayed,” the judge declared.
The court subsequently issued interim orders restraining any interference with the PDP’s preparations and compelling the defendants to proceed with the convention as scheduled. The substantive motion for an interlocutory injunction was adjourned to November 10, 2025.
This order, dated November 3, 2025, bears the seal of the Oyo State High Court and the signature of the Principal Registrar, S. O. Hammed.
Conflicting Court Order in Abuja
The Oyo court’s decision comes just days after the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the PDP’s 2025 National Convention.
In a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, the court restrained the party from holding the convention until it complies with its constitution, statutory requirements, and the Electoral Act.
INEC was also barred from accepting any convention report submitted without full adherence to due process.
The PDP swiftly rejected the Abuja court’s ruling. Its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the decision as a blow to democratic principles and insisted it does not stop the party from continuing preparations for the convention.
He also confirmed that the party’s legal team has been directed to appeal the judgment.
Leadership Crisis Deepens
Meanwhile, tension reached new heights at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja on Monday as heavy security presence accompanied the dramatic resumption of Abdulrahman Mohammed, former Vice Chairman (North Central), who declared himself acting national chairman.
Mohammed, backed by supporters, addressed the crowd at the FCT PDP secretariat, confirming he was assuming leadership based on his endorsement by the Samuel Anyanwu-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The Anyanwu faction had earlier suspended the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
The weekend saw an intense exchange of suspensions as Damagum and loyal NWC members suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and several principal officers.
In retaliation, the Anyanwu-led faction suspended Damagum, Ologunagba, and four other top officials—deepening an already volatile leadership crisis.
As Mohammed took charge at the secretariat on Monday, Damagum and his loyal NWC members were notably absent, signaling a widening rift within the PDP amid preparations for its crucial national convention.
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