PDP faction rejects Ibadan convention, Wike, others’ expulsion

The development comes amid opposition from four state chapters, which have also rejected the outcome of the convention. Political observers interpret the backlash as resistance to Governor Seyi Makinde’s attempt to consolidate control over the party.

On Saturday, more than 3,000 delegates convened in Ibadan to elect new national officers, despite conflicting judicial rulings. A Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the suspension of the convention, restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the exercise.

Justice Peter Lifu, ruling on a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, held that Lamido was unjustly denied access to nomination forms to contest for the position of National Chairman, in violation of the PDP constitution. The court directed that the convention be halted until Lamido was allowed to obtain forms, mobilise supporters, and campaign.

This ruling echoed earlier decisions, including one by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which similarly restrained the PDP from holding its convention. However, in a contradictory order, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court authorised the convention, directing INEC to supervise the election of new officers.

The conflicting judgments deepened divisions within the party, splitting it into two camps: one loyal to Wike and another backed by PDP governors and party organs.

At the Ibadan convention, a motion moved by former Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Bode George, led to the expulsion of Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, ex-National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih, and others.

Reacting, Abdulrahman Mohammed, one of those expelled, dismissed the decision as “laughable” and vowed to continue as Acting National Chairman. He insisted that no valid convention took place in Ibadan, citing the subsisting court order.

Similarly, former National Organising Secretary Umar Bature described the convention as “illegal,” pledging to continue in his role until the expiration of the current National Working Committee’s tenure in December.

“What they called a convention was illegal, and all actions taken remain illegal. There is nothing to challenge.”

Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor also rejected the expulsions, arguing that the convention lacked legitimacy since only 17 state chapters were accredited. He urged Governor Makinde to apologise to party leaders nationwide and work towards repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Those three or four governors went to Ibadan to entertain themselves. So, all they did there was for the purpose of entertainment. How can they be talking about expelling anybody when they had no right to hold the convention in the first place?” he said.