Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is abuzz with last-minute preparations for what is shaping up to be the PDP’s most controversial national convention ever, billed for Saturday and Sunday, following a faction’s withdrawal and a looming showdown between rival camps.
Ahead of the event, the NWC led by Umar Damagum suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade for alleged anti-party activities. This followed Justice James Omotosho’s order halting the convention over improper notification to INEC. While Justice Peter Lifu also suspended the convention in a suit by ex-Governor Sule Lamido, Justice Ladiran Akintola twice issued ex parte orders directing the PDP to proceed with the convention.
On Wednesday, the Lekan Salami Stadium, venue of the convention, wore a new look, with massive decorations in the party’s colours still ongoing as of Thursday morning.
Over 3,000 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, party leaders, key stakeholders, and international observers are expected to attend the event.
The convention will feature the election of key national officers, including a new National Chairman, National Secretary, and other key members of the NWC and their deputies.
It was learnt that events would be transmitted to the public in English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa to ensure inclusivity, with live broadcasts planned for global audiences.
The National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed that the party had secured the attendance of delegates from at least two-thirds of the 36 states, meeting the constitutional requirement for a valid convention.
On proceeding in spite of conflicting court judgments, Ajisafe stressed that only a ruling from a superior court would be binding on the convention.
Ajisafe also said the party expected representatives from both security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the venue.
Meanwhile, an INEC official stated that its legal team was reviewing the court orders, and a decision on whether to attend or boycott the convention on Saturday is expected soon.
The PUNCH
