The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in escalating tensions as over 3,000 delegates prepare to converge on Ibadan for its November 15-16 national convention. This gathering occurs amid deepening factional divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Factional Battle Lines Drawn

Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum leads the dominant faction backed by key party structures. These include the PDP Governors Forum, Board of Trustees, and State Chairmen Forum. This group maintains the Ibadan convention will proceed as scheduled.

Opposing them is the faction led by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Though smaller numerically, this group wields significant political influence. They recently elected their own national chairman and declared the Ibadan convention illegal.

Legal Battles and Suspensions

The crisis escalated when Justice James Omotosho barred PDP from holding the convention. He ruled the party failed to properly notify INEC. In response, Damagum’s National Working Committee suspended three officers:

National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu
National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade
National Organising Secretary Umar Bature

The suspended officials retaliated within 24 hours. They held their own Abuja meeting to suspend Damagum’s entire NWC. They appointed Abdulrahman Mohammed as new acting chairman.

Conflicting Court Orders

Damagum’s faction secured another court order from Justice Ladiran Akintola. This Oyo State High Court ruling authorizes the convention. With contradictory judgments from courts of concurrent jurisdiction, the party remains paralyzed by division.

Convention Preparations Proceed

A PDP insider confirmed to Punch that over 3,000 delegates will attend. “More than 3,000 delegates are participating,” the source stated. “This includes both super delegates and elected representatives.”

The Damagum-aligned source dismissed claims of disenfranchised states. He argued Justice Akintola’s recent order takes precedence legally. He also rejected Wike’s group as illegitimate: “To form a faction, it must occur during a valid national convention at the same venue.”

Reconciliation Efforts Underway

Another party official revealed ongoing reconciliation dialogues. “Committees are handling discussions between groups,” he noted. “By Wednesday, we should know the way forward.”

The official emphasized the convention’s importance for party repositioning. “The PDP needs the existing NWC to conduct a proper convention. This will usher in new leadership and prevent further disruption.”