The 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially opened at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State, featuring colourful displays, flag presentations, and an early turnout of enthusiastic party members.
The convention began with the traditional presentation of party flags to key leaders. Senator Natasha Akpoti received the Senate caucus flag on behalf of Senator Abba Moro, while Fred Agbedi collected the House of Representatives flag for the House caucus.
Governor Bala Mohammed received the Nigerian flag as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was handed the host state flag, PDP National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum received the party flag, and Governor Umaru Fintiri accepted the Convention Flag to formally declare the convention open.
The atmosphere around the stadium was electric as hundreds of party supporters thronged the venue. Many delegates wore the official customised Ankara Aso Ebi, while non-delegates gathered in various clusters in specially designed outfits, adding colour and vibrancy to the convention grounds.
However, the festive mood comes against the backdrop of legal and political disputes. A faction loyal to the suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has continued to challenge the legitimacy of the convention, insisting it lacks proper legal backing.
The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, has dismissed those claims, maintaining that “the party has secured the necessary judicial clearance from an Oyo State High Court.”
The BoT reaffirmed its unwavering support for holding the elective convention on November 15–16, stressing that “the decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s stance on the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.”
According to the BoT, the suggestion of installing a caretaker committee is “unacceptable and not to be contemplated,” as the party has firmly resolved to proceed with an elective process to choose new leaders who will steer the PDP for the next four years.
The Board urged all members to remain focused, united, and committed to ensuring the success of the convention as the party works toward strengthening its internal democracy and future electoral prospects.
Ohuabunwa factions kicks
This is even as Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, the factional Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reaffirmed that there will be no national convention of the party for now, saying the decision aligns strictly with a recent court judgment.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the factional BoT Chairman noted that the faction was determined to end impunity and restore constitutional order within the PDP.
He noted that as law-abiding members of the party, the group decided to obey the substantive judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had earlier ruled against the Convention, as against the ex parte judgment in Ibadan, by the High Court in the State.
“As a law-abiding political party, we have decided to fully obey the law and the judgment of the court. One of the key takeaways of that judgment is that there will be no convention, and we have accordingly advised our members not to participate in any such gathering,” Ohuabunwa stated.
The BoT Chairman noted that while members reserve the right to freely assemble, any meeting convened in the name of a national convention is not recognized by them.
According to him, “People have the right to gather at every level. It’s a fundamental right. But as far as the national convention is concerned, there is none. The party has clearly announced and advertised that the convention has been postponed.”
He added that the Acting National Chairman of the faction, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, had already urged members to remain steadfast and await a new date that would be announced after consultations with relevant organs of the party.
“The National Chairman has called on members to stay committed. After due consultations with the National Working Committee, the BoT, and the caucus, a proper and inclusive convention will be announced,” Ohuabunwa said.
Ohuabunwa stated that the decision to suspend the planned convention was taken in the interest of discipline and reform, to ensure that the PDP reclaims its reputation as a truly democratic and law-abiding institution.
“We must obey the rule of law, respect our constitution, and put an end to acts of impunity going forward,” he declared.
The faction’s position follows growing internal tension over the party’s leadership and the legality of its planned convention earlier scheduled to hold in Ibadan.
In his remarks, the factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, reaffirmed the group’s stance, describing the proposed Ibadan convention as “illegal and in direct violation of court orders.”
“We are law-abiding citizens and will align fully with the judgments of the Federal High Court,” Mohammed said. “We call on all our delegates across the federation to stay away from the purported convention in Ibadan. We are not part of it.”
Mohammed added that, with the support of Senator Ohuabunwa and the BoT, the faction would embark on a nationwide reconciliation drive to reposition the PDP and return it to its “rightful owners, the people.”
“With the backing of our BoT Chairman, we will reach out to leaders across the 36 states to rebuild this party on integrity and inclusiveness,” he assured.
He emphasized that true leadership in the PDP would henceforth be measured not by past titles but by genuine connection with the grassroots.
Also speaking, Leader of the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, urged all members to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could deepen existing divisions.
“The court has spoken, and as loyal members of the PDP, we have a duty to obey,” Chinda said. “That is the only way to recover and reposition our party for the future.”
He commended the factional leaders for their firm stance on due process, noting that “any gathering that violates court orders cannot represent the true PDP.”
Chinda called for unity and collective responsibility in rebuilding the party on the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
