The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, has publicly reaffirmed that its much-anticipated national convention will proceed on 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State — despite legal challenges and internal factional opposition led by the camp aligned to Nyesom Wike.
Background
The convention is intended to elect national officers of the party, establish its leadership for the next phase, and position the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. The date was set following resolutions from earlier party organs and gatherings.
However, the path is far from smooth. Legal injunctions have been issued:
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On 4 November 2025, an Oyo State High Court gave the PDP and Damagum the go-ahead to hold the convention as planned.
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On the other hand, a Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment restraining the PDP from holding the convention, alleging failure to comply with internal and electoral regulations.
This conflicting judicial terrain underscores the complexity of the situation.
What Damagum’s Faction Is Saying
In a statement attributed to the party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), declared there has been no postponement of the convention and urged party members to disregard “misleading claims” about a cancellation.
The statement added that attempts to derail the gathering are being driven by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a bid to weaken the opposition.
Moreover, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), has backed Damagum’s leadership, welcoming the Oyo High Court ruling as a “victory for democracy, the rule of law and political development in our country.”
They emphasise that the convention is critical: one communiqué labelled it a “national rescue mission” to reposition the party and challenge the APC’s governance record.
What Wike’s Camp Is Saying
The camp loosely aligned to Minister Wike — including a faction led by former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu — rejects the legitimacy of the convention if key demands are not met. They argue that internal party structures (especially in the South-South), have been ignored and the process lacks fairness and inclusivity.
They contend that the Federal High Court’s judgment should supersede the Oyo State High Court’s ex parte order, and that proceeding with the convention under these conditions would violate the rule of law.
They have also accused the Damagum faction of unilateralism and of undermining party unity.
Stakes and Implications
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Legitimacy: The failure to hold the convention cleanly could undermine the PDP’s claim to being a credible opposition.
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Unity: The factional rift threatens internal cohesion at a time when the party should be gearing up for future elections.
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Legal Precedent: Whichever side prevails may set a precedent for how internal party contests are regulated and how courts intervene.
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Electoral Impact: With the APC in power and Nigeria facing economic and security challenges, the PDP’s ability to demonstrate organizational stability may affect its credibility among voters.
Outlook
As 15 November draws near, the Damagum-led faction appears determined to push ahead, banking on the Oyo High Court ruling and the BoT’s support. The Wike camp, however, remains sceptical and has signalled its readiness to pursue further legal action. The key question now is whether the convention will proceed smoothly and whether the resulting leadership will command broad support within the party.
If the PDP can resolve this crisis quickly and hold a credible convention, it may emerge stronger. If not, the divisions risk deepening — potentially diminishing the party’s leverage in national politics.
