A major storm is brewing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as four of its governors arrived in Ibadan on Friday, even though a fresh order from the Federal High Court in Abuja has put the party’s national convention—scheduled for this weekend—on hold.

Governors Gather Despite Court Blockade

South-West PDP chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed that the governors of Bauchi (Bala Mohammed), Zamfara (Dauda Lawal), Adamawa (Ahmadu Fintiri) and Oyo (Seyi Makinde) had already converged on Ibadan for the convention preparations.

Their presence underscores the determination of a faction of the party leadership to proceed with the event despite a rapidly escalating legal tussle.

The PDP has been grappling with an intense internal struggle involving loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and supporters of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum—a rift that has put the party’s future direction in question.

Federal High Court Stops Convention

The crisis deepened on Friday when Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ordered the immediate suspension of the national convention.

The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who accused the party of preventing him from purchasing the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.

Justice Lifu held that Lamido was unlawfully excluded, stating that the evidence presented showed he was “denied the opportunity to obtain the nomination form in violation of the PDP constitution and internal regulations.”

The judge directed the party to provide Lamido with the nomination form before any convention could be held, adding that he must be given the opportunity to mobilise supporters and participate fully in the race.

Additionally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was barred from “supervising or recognising” any convention conducted without Lamido’s inclusion.

Oyo Court’s Opposing Order Adds to the Chaos

The Abuja ruling directly contradicts an earlier order granted by the Oyo State High Court, which authorised the PDP to go ahead with the convention.

Justice Ladiran Akintola, granting an ex parte motion filed by Oyo party member Folahan Adelabi, directed INEC to attend and monitor the election of the party’s next national executives.

The conflicting judgments have thrown the party into uncertainty just hours before delegates were expected to assemble.

PDP Officials Insist Event Will Proceed

Speaking on Friday evening, Ajisafe dismissed reports of the new court ruling, insisting the party was acting solely on the Oyo court’s directive.

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“We are not aware of any fresh order,” he said. “It’s almost 6 p.m. and none of our leaders has received such information. As far as we are concerned, the convention is going ahead. We already have four governors on ground, and preparations are at 98 per cent.”

What Happens Next?

With two contradictory court orders—one halting the convention and another compelling it—the PDP faces a legal and political standoff that could define its power structure for years to come.

For now, all eyes are on Ibadan, where party leaders must decide whether to proceed with the convention or halt their plans in obedience to the Federal High Court’s directive.