The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention saga has taken a new turn after an Oyo State High Court lifted the ban that had earlier stopped the party from holding its national convention. However, this development has sparked fresh controversy as former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, openly rejected the ruling.
Background
The PDP had scheduled its national convention for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event is aimed at electing new national officers and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the weeks leading up to the convention, the party became embroiled in legal battles following complaints by some members that the PDP failed to follow due process in organising state congresses and issuing the required notices to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These disputes led to court actions seeking to halt the convention.
Oyo Court’s Decision
On November 3, 2025, Justice L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court granted an ex parte motion filed by a PDP member, allowing the party to proceed with its convention as planned.
The court ordered that the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC), and its Convention Organising Committee must not frustrate the convention. It also directed INEC to monitor the process in accordance with the law and asked that the party’s earlier timetable and guidelines be followed.
Justice Akintola ruled that the applicant had shown sufficient grounds for urgent judicial intervention, thereby clearing the way for the PDP to proceed.
Conflicting Federal Court Order
Just a few days earlier, on October 31, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had restrained the PDP from holding the same convention.
That court ruled that the party must first conduct proper state congresses and give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice before going ahead. It further directed INEC not to recognise any convention outcome that failed to meet these requirements.
The conflicting rulings from the two courts have now placed the PDP in a difficult legal position — one order allowing the convention to proceed, and another stopping it.
Wike’s Reaction
Nyesom Wike reacted strongly to the Oyo High Court decision, describing it as an affront to judicial hierarchy and due process.
According to Wike, the Abuja Federal High Court ruling takes precedence over the Oyo decision, since a lower court cannot overrule a coordinate court of the same jurisdiction. He said the Oyo order was “a mere ex parte” ruling that should not be used to override a substantive judgment already delivered.
Wike, a prominent PDP figure and longtime critic of the party’s leadership, argued that obeying the Oyo court’s order would amount to “a blatant disregard for judicial order and the rule of law.”
He maintained that the PDP must demonstrate internal discipline and respect for its own constitution, warning that failure to do so could further damage the party’s image.
Implications for the PDP
The conflicting court orders and Wike’s opposition highlight deep internal divisions within the PDP.
- Legal Uncertainty: The contradictory rulings have left the party unsure of which directive to follow, raising the risk of contempt of court if it missteps.
- Factional Rivalries: The episode deepens the rift between the Wike-led faction and other PDP leaders determined to hold the convention as scheduled.
- INEC’s Dilemma: The electoral body is now caught between two court orders — one compelling it to supervise the convention, and another prohibiting participation in an improperly convened event.
- Credibility and Unity: The turmoil raises questions about the PDP’s internal democracy and its readiness to challenge the ruling party in the next election cycle.
What Happens Next
The PDP leadership faces three possible options:
- Comply with the Abuja ruling by suspending preparations until all conditions are met;
- Proceed under the Oyo court’s order and risk further legal action; or
- Seek clarification or consolidation of both rulings through the Court of Appeal.
INEC’s position will also be crucial, as its recognition or rejection of any outcome could determine the legitimacy of new party executives.
Meanwhile, Wike and his allies are expected to continue pressing for reforms within the party, using the current legal uncertainty as leverage for greater influence.
Conclusion
The legal battle over the PDP convention is more than a technical dispute — it reflects a deep struggle for control and legitimacy within Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
As Wike challenges the Oyo court’s order and insists on strict adherence to due process, the PDP must decide whether to prioritise speed or legality. Its choice could shape not only the outcome of the upcoming convention but also its credibility heading into the 2027 elections.
In the end, how the party resolves this crisis will reveal whether the PDP has learned from its past internal conflicts or remains trapped in cycles of division and court-room battles.
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