PDP Convention: Four Governors Arrive in Ibadan Amid Court Dispute

Spread the love

Political activity intensified in Ibadan as several governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arrived in the Oyo State capital ahead of the party’s highly anticipated national convention. Their arrival came even as legal uncertainty continued to surround the gathering.

The convention, scheduled to take place over the weekend, has been overshadowed by court rulings and internal party disagreements. Despite the controversy, preparations at the venue appeared to move forward as party leaders and delegates began arriving in the city.

According to Gossip News Now, four PDP governors were already present in Ibadan ahead of the event. The governors reportedly on ground include:

Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State
Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State
Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State
Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

Their presence was confirmed by Kamorudeen Ajisafe, the PDP’s South-West chairman, who indicated that the governors had arrived ahead of the convention proceedings.

Internal Divisions Fuel Political Tension

The PDP has been grappling with internal friction in recent weeks, largely driven by competing political alignments within the party. One bloc is believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while another faction supports the leadership of acting national chairman Umar Damagum.

These rival camps have contributed to heightened tension within the party as preparations for the convention progressed.

Legal Challenge Sparks Court Intervention

The legal dispute began when former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido approached the Federal High Court in Abuja. Lamido claimed that he was denied the opportunity to purchase nomination forms required to contest for the party’s national chairmanship.

Following the hearing, Justice Peter Lifu issued a ruling ordering the immediate suspension of the planned convention. The judge also directed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not supervise or recognize any PDP convention conducted without allowing Lamido to participate.

The court observed that the evidence presented suggested Lamido had been unfairly excluded from the process, a situation the judge said violated the PDP’s constitution and internal procedures.

In addition, the ruling required the party to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff before conducting any convention. This directive would allow Lamido time to obtain the forms, organize supporters, and campaign if he chooses to proceed with the chairmanship contest.

Conflicting Judicial Decisions Create Confusion

While the Federal High Court ruling halted the convention, another legal development has complicated matters. Earlier, the Oyo State High Court delivered a separate decision permitting the PDP to go ahead with its convention in Ibadan.

Justice Ladiran Akintola issued the ruling after considering an application filed by a party member, Folahan Adelabi. In that decision, the court authorized the party to proceed with its plans and also directed INEC to oversee the election of national officers during the convention.

Party Officials Insist Convention Will Proceed

Despite the latest developments from Abuja, Ajisafe maintained that the party’s preparations remained intact. He indicated that the PDP leadership in the region had not yet been formally informed about the Federal High Court order halting the event.

According to him, the earlier judgment delivered in Ibadan remains the directive guiding the party’s actions. He also emphasized that preparations were almost complete and expressed confidence that the convention would go ahead as planned.

Ajisafe further stated that the presence of the four governors already in Ibadan demonstrated the party’s readiness for the gathering, suggesting that organizers were close to finalizing arrangements for the event.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The unfolding situation illustrates the complex intersection between law and internal party politics in Nigeria. When court rulings conflict, political actors often face difficult decisions about which legal directive to follow.

For the PDP, the dispute over the convention reflects deeper tensions among influential figures within the party. The outcome of the legal battle could affect not only the timing of the convention but also the broader balance of power among competing factions.

Observers believe that resolving the disagreement quickly will be critical for the party if it hopes to maintain unity and credibility ahead of future electoral contests.