Breaking News: PDP National Convention — Oyo Court Clears Path as Federal Court Halts Process

Ibadan, Nigeria — November 4, 2025

The political landscape of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic legal twist as two courts of coordinate jurisdiction have issued contradictory orders regarding the party’s forthcoming Elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

On October 31, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho, issued an order restraining the PDP from proceeding with the planned convention.

The suit, filed by some aggrieved members of the party, alleged non-compliance with the PDP Constitution and the **Electoral Act 2022, citing irregularities in the conduct of state congresses and failure to provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  with the mandatory 21-day notice ahead of the national convention.

Justice Omotosho consequently barred INEC from monitoring or recognising any convention conducted without due process, pending the determination of the substantive matter.

In a counter development, the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan and presided over by Hon. Justice A. L. Akintola, on November 3, 2025, delivered a landmark ruling in Suit No. I/1336/2025, filed by Folahan Malamo Adelabi, an aspirant for the position of Deputy National Organizing Secretary.

The court unequivocally cleared the PDP to proceed with its convention as scheduled, restraining any party officer, agent, or member from truncating, frustrating, or disrupting the event. Justice Akintola further directed INEC to deploy monitors and observers to the Ibadan convention to ensure compliance with all electoral laws.

The court also mandated Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), to continue with all necessary preparations for the exercise.

The two conflicting judgments have now created a legal dilemma for the PDP and INEC. While the Federal High Court’s ruling effectively halts the convention, the Oyo State High Court’s order provides judicial backing for it to proceed.

Legal experts suggest that the Federal High Court’s decision may take precedence, given its jurisdiction over national electoral matters. However, the PDP’s legal team is reportedly preparing to appeal the Abuja ruling and seek clarification from a higher court to resolve the jurisdictional conflict.

Meanwhile, preparations continue in Ibadan, where the NCOC is set to host over 3,000 delegates, including governors, National Assembly members, and other party stakeholders from across the country.

As the November 15–16 date draws near, all eyes remain on the courts, INEC, and the PDP leadership to see which order will ultimately stand — and whether the convention will proceed as planned.

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