In what party officials have described as a critical boost ahead of its 2025 Elective National Convention, the Oyo State High Court has cleared the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to proceed with preparations for the crucial gathering, a decision that analysts say could help stabilise the opposition party after months of internal wrangling and legal uncertainty.
The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, hailed the ruling delivered by Justice A. L. Akintola as a courageous affirmation of the party’s constitutional right to conduct its democratic processes without interference. He said the judgment effectively settled previous legal challenges and confirmed that the PDP had fulfilled all statutory obligations necessary to hold its convention.
Reflecting on the state of the party, Damagum admitted that deep divisions had persisted since the 2023 general elections. He maintained, however, that his leadership had deliberately chosen the path of reconciliation over retribution, prioritising unity and institutional continuity above factional interests.
“Every decision I took, every compromise I made, every gesture of accommodation was for the sake of the Party. I chose the Party—not individuals or factions—but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all,” Damagum stated.
He urged members of the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to exhibit courage, integrity, and strategic vision, stressing that the next leadership must rebuild internal trust, revive party structures, and inspire confidence among members nationwide.
“This meeting is convened to provide strategic direction for our planning toward the convention and to resolve all outstanding issues,” he said. “Let our deliberations be sincere, our arguments grounded in good faith, and our purpose united—for the good of our great party and the nation we all serve.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, appealed to feuding members to put aside personal grievances and work toward reconciliation. He reaffirmed the board’s neutrality and its commitment to mediating internal disputes in the collective interest of party stability.
Among those in attendance were BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarafi, Professor Jerry Gana, Senator Ben Obi, Josephine Anenih, Zainab Maina, and members of the Umar Damagum-led NWC.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Akintola granted an interim order permitting the PDP to hold its Elective National Convention on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. The court further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor, and observe the exercise pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.
The decision followed an ex parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Governor Umaru Fintiri (Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee), and INEC. Adelabi had sought to restrain the defendants from altering or frustrating the approved timetable and guidelines leading to the convention.