By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
In a stunning twist to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) deepening leadership crisis, an Oyo State High Court has ordered the party and its acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, to proceed with the national convention scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan, defying a conflicting Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that halted the event just days ago.
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Justice A.L. Akintola of the Oyo High Court issued the directive on Monday during an ex parte hearing on a suit filed by PDP chieftain Folahan Malomo Adelabi, who argued that the convention must go ahead to resolve internal disputes and elect substantive national officers ahead of the 2027 polls.
“This order is to ensure the party’s democratic processes are not derailed,” Justice Akintola ruled, granting Adelabi’s application for an interim injunction. The court directed Damagum and the National Working Committee (NWC) to commence preparations immediately, including delegate accreditation and venue logistics at the International Conference Centre in Ibadan.
The Oyo ruling directly contradicts a Friday decision by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who barred the PDP from holding the convention until it complies with its constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022. Omotosho’s order stemmed from a suit by three aggrieved members—Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi—alleging no valid ward and state congresses were held in 14 states before the convention notice.
Defendants in the Abuja case included INEC, PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the NWC, the National Executive Committee (NEC), and Damagum. Omotosho mandated a 21-day statutory notice and ordered the party to “put its house in order.”
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PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba described the Abuja ruling as a “temporary setback” but vowed an immediate appeal, while hailing the Oyo order as “a victory for internal democracy.”
The convention is pivotal for PDP, which has hemorrhaged four governors to the ruling APC this year amid leadership wrangles. A successful event could elect a new chairman to replace the suspended Iyorchia Ayu and unify the opposition.
Damagum: “We respect all courts but will appeal the Abuja decision to ensure the people’s will prevails.” Adelabi: “This order clears the path for a credible convention in Oyo, our party’s stronghold.” and INEC Yet to comment, but must approve any delegate list for legitimacy.
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Legal experts warn of a potential Supreme Court showdown, with Professor Itse Sagay calling it “judicial overreach on both sides.” PDP’s NEC is set to meet Wednesday to chart a path forward.
DDNewsOnline