PDP Insists National Convention Will Hold in Ibadan Despite Court Order

The Peoples Democratic Party has reaffirmed that its 2025 National Convention will proceed as scheduled this weekend in Ibadan, dismissing reports of a postponement and insisting that all preparations remain intact.

The clarification followed a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the PDP National Publicity Secretary and spokesperson of the Convention’s Publicity Sub-Committee, Debo Ologunagba, who said the event would hold from Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16, 2025.

The reassurance comes amid confusion triggered by a Federal High Court order temporarily restraining the party from conducting the exercise over alleged non-compliance with internal rules and electoral guidelines. The PDP leadership, however, described the narrative of a suspension as politically motivated.

According to the National Working Committee and the National Convention Organising Committee, some individuals behind the reports were “sponsored elements” allegedly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress to derail the opposition party’s convention.

“We are aware of the plots to destabilise the PDP and push the country toward a one-party system,” the party said, adding that its committees were working round the clock to ensure a successful convention.

By Thursday night, the confidence was echoed by the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri. After a crucial stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja — attended by Governors Seyi Makinde and Umar Damagum, ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki and other party heavyweights — Fintiri declared that the convention remained “sacrosanct.”

“We’re heading to Ibadan for the convention,” he told journalists before being ushered away by aides.

The party noted that delegates and officials had already begun arriving in Ibadan and urged members of the public to disregard contrary claims.