Tension continues to mount within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as over 3,000 delegates prepare to gather in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the party’s national elective convention scheduled for November 15 - 16, 2025.

The convention, expected to produce a new National Working Committee (NWC), has been marred by internal disputes and conflicting court orders between two rival factions - one led by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and another loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The Damagum-led camp, backed by PDP governors, the Board of Trustees, and state chairmen, insists the convention will proceed as planned, citing a recent order from the Oyo State High Court authorising the event. However, the Wike-backed group maintains that a previous Federal High Court ruling restrains the party from holding the convention, arguing that the proper notification was not given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Following the conflicting judgments, the Damagum faction suspended key officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged anti-party activities. In retaliation, Anyanwu’s group announced the suspension of Damagum and the entire NWC, naming Abdulrahman Mohammed as the party’s new acting chairman.

Speaking to AnchorNews, a top party official aligned with the Damagum group confirmed that the Ibadan convention would go on. “Over 3,000 delegates, including elected and super delegates, are ready to participate. The latest court order permits us to proceed,” the source said.

But Senator Anyanwu dismissed the plan, warning that proceeding with the convention would amount to contempt of court. “Whoever organises it will cause problems for the party. INEC will not monitor or recognise it,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of fuelling the crisis to advance his alleged 2027 presidential ambition. He argued that any convention held without reconciliation among aggrieved members would further deepen the party’s divisions.

Despite the internal wrangling, PDP leaders hope that ongoing reconciliation efforts will yield a breakthrough before the scheduled convention. Many within the party believe the exercise is crucial to repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.