Preparations are intensifying for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, even as conflicting court rulings cast uncertainty over the event.
Last week, an Oyo High Court directed the party and its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, to proceed with convention preparations. Days later, a High Court in Abuja issued an injunction barring the PDP from holding the convention and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise or recognize the event.
On Thursday, a faction within the party led by Sam Anyanwu claimed the convention had been postponed—a statement promptly refuted by the Damagum-led leadership.
In a show of unity, PDP stakeholders later issued a unanimous resolution reaffirming that November 15 and 16, 2025, are “irrevocable dates” for the 2025 Elective National Convention. The decision was made during a Thursday-night meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, attended by members of the National Working Committee (NWC), serving and former governors, National Assembly lawmakers, Board of Trustees (BOT) members, and state party chairmen.
Preparations in Full Swing
At the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, the venue has been decked in PDP’s iconic red, white, and green motifs, with delegates already arriving across the South-Western city. Party officials inspected the facility as final arrangements were made.
On its official social media handle, the PDP shared a video from the stadium, stating:
“With the venue fully aglow and preparations hitting fever pitch, the stage is set for a convention that will redefine the PDP’s trajectory toward 2027.”
Calls for Caution From Saraki
Amid the tension, former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the PDP to postpone the convention, recommending the appointment of a caretaker committee to manage party affairs.
“My advice to the BOT is to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the party for the time being,” Saraki wrote on X. “This is the path to true reconciliation and stability, and it will give confidence to members intending to contest elections on the PDP platform.”
Despite the legal battles and internal disagreements, the Damagum-led faction of the PDP remains resolute, moving forward with the convention as scheduled, highlighting the party’s determination to maintain its calendar and momentum ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
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