By Anamati Inyang | RISMADAR News | November 10, 2025
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as over 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria prepare to gather in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the party’s national elective convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025. The convention has become a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between rival factions within the party.
On one side is the National Working Committee (NWC) led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, enjoying the backing of the PDP Governors Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), and the Forum of State Chairmen. Opposing them is the faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, which, despite being numerically smaller, wields significant influence and recently elected its own chairman in defiance of the governors.
The legal battle surrounding the convention has added to the uncertainty. Last Friday, Justice James Omotosho restrained the party leadership from holding the convention, arguing that PDP failed to comply with its own rules requiring certain officers to notify INEC. In response, the Damagum-led NWC suspended key officials, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, for alleged anti-party activities.
The Wike-aligned group countered by suspending Damagum and the entire NWC and appointed PDP Deputy National Vice Chairman (North-Central), Abdulrahman Mohammed, as acting National Chairman.
However, the Damagum camp has since secured an ex parte order from Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, directing the party to proceed with the convention.
Speaking to our correspondent on Sunday, a source at the PDP secretariat confirmed that over 3,000 delegates, including super delegates and elected representatives from all states, are expected to participate. The source insisted that the convention would proceed under Justice Akintola’s ruling, describing it as the most current and legally valid order among conflicting court directives.
The official further argued that the Anyanwu-led group should be considered a renegade faction, noting that party rules empower the National Chairman to convene NWC meetings and suspend members for anti-party activities.
Another party insider stated that ongoing reconciliation committees are engaging the contending groups, and the outcome of these discussions could determine the party’s next steps.
As Ibadan prepares to host the high-stakes convention, all eyes are on how the PDP navigates its internal disputes and whether the elective process will yield a unified leadership ahead of future elections.
