Tension is mounting in the factional camps of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as more than 3,000 delegates prepare to converge on the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, for the party’s national elective convention.
The event, billed for November 15 and 16, 2025, has been a subject of controversy among the two warring camps in the party.
On one hand is the National Working Committee led by the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, which enjoys the support of the PDP Governors Forum, the Board of Trustees, and the Forum of State Chairmen, among others.
Though outnumbered by the Damagum-led camp, the faction led by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is wielding tremendous influence, having elected its own chairman.
Speaking on Sunday, an official at the PDP secretariat said more than 3,000 delegates would gather in Ibadan to elect new leaders for the party.
He said, “More than 3,000 delegates are participating, and don’t forget that there are super delegates and elected delegates.
The source, who is aligned with the Damagum-led group, said the convention would hold because Justice Akintola’s order is the most current of the two conflicting court rulings.
He added, “There are two court orders from courts of concurrent jurisdiction. In law, the party is at liberty to choose which of the orders to obey, while other lawyers say the last order (or the most current) is the most valid since it’s from a concurrent court.”
He noted that Anyanwu, having been suspended by the leadership of the party, should be seen as leading a renegade group, adding, “Anybody paying attention to the group is doing so for political reasons.”
He urged the media to stop referring to the Wike-backed group as a faction, noting that to form one, “It must occur during a valid national convention of the party.”
Senator Anyanwu, however, insisted the Ibadan convention would not hold, warning that any attempt to proceed would be contempt of court and invalid, adding that INEC would not monitor it.
The PUNCH