The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factional convention held over the weekend in Ibadan has intensified the ongoing crisis within the party.
Several state chapters and key party stakeholders have openly criticised the convention’s legitimacy and condemned the expulsion of 11 prominent members, including the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
According to a party insider, both factions are now preparing for a fresh round of legal battles in court. The faction led by Umar Iliya Damagun disregarded the Federal High Court injunction that barred the party from holding the convention.
Instead, they relied on an ex parte ruling from the Ibadan High Court, which has adjourned the case until December 8 for further hearing. This case was brought against the party by chieftain Folahan Malomo Adelabi.
Imo PDP Rejects Ibadan Convention As Illegal
The Imo State chapter of the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary Lancelot Obiaku, strongly condemned the Ibadan convention, labelling it “a gathering of a lawless committee of friends.” Obiaku accused the faction of ignoring court orders, flouting internal party regulations, and including suspended and expelled members as delegates.
Describing the event as a “sham convention steeped in illegality,” Obiaku reaffirmed the loyalty of the Imo chapter to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. He also pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) refusal to monitor the event is a clear sign of its illegitimacy.
Obiaku dismissed reports that the Imo PDP executive was dissolved, calling such claims “wishful thinking” and baseless rumours circulated by opponents.
