Court approves PDP National Convention in Ibadan — Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court has given judicial approval for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to hold its long-awaited Elective National Convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor and oversee the conduct of the convention, in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended) and the PDP Constitution.
Justice Akintola, delivering judgment in Suit No. I/482/2024, filed by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), affirmed that the party had met the constitutional and procedural requirements to convene its national convention in Ibadan.
The judge stated that the PDP’s decision to host the event in the Oyo State capital was lawful, valid, and consistent with both the party’s internal regulations and the Nigerian Constitution.
“Having carefully considered the submissions of counsel and the evidential materials before this court, I find no legal obstacle preventing the People’s Democratic Party from conducting its elective national convention in Ibadan,” the judge ruled.
Justice Akintola emphasized that the role of INEC in supervising party conventions was crucial to ensuring transparency and democratic accountability.
“INEC is hereby ordered to monitor and oversee the convention in accordance with the law. The Commission shall ensure that the process is free, fair, and consistent with the principles of internal democracy,” the judgment read in part.
The court’s pronouncement effectively cleared the path for the opposition party to proceed with its national convention, which has been the subject of internal debates and legal tussles in recent months.
Party insiders told LeadNaija News that the decision was “a major relief” for the PDP leadership, which has faced mounting pressure to reorganize its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the judgment, PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, described the ruling as “a victory for democracy and due process.”
“The PDP has always respected the rule of law. We welcome this judgment, and we assure Nigerians that our convention in Ibadan will be peaceful, transparent, and inclusive,” Damagum said in a statement issued after the verdict.
He also commended the judiciary for upholding the constitutional rights of political parties to determine their administrative processes without undue interference.
Meanwhile, INEC’s National Commissioner for Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Sam Olumekun, confirmed that the electoral body had received the court’s directive and would comply fully.
“We are aware of the court order. INEC will, as always, perform its statutory responsibility of monitoring party conventions to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act,” he said.
Political observers have interpreted the ruling as a significant boost for the PDP’s internal reorganization efforts. The party is expected to use the convention to elect new national officers and consolidate its strategy for rebuilding its nationwide support base.
According to analysts, holding the event in Ibadan—one of Nigeria’s most politically symbolic cities—signals a deliberate move by the PDP to reconnect with its southern structures and grassroots supporters ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Legal experts also praised the clarity of the court’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the independence of political parties in managing their affairs within the bounds of the law.
Barrister Tunde Oyekanmi, a constitutional lawyer, told LeadNaija News that the ruling “restores internal stability and sends a message that parties must follow due process while respecting judicial oversight.”
“What Justice Akintola did today is to reinforce the law that party conventions are not political theatre—they are constitutional mechanisms for democracy. INEC’s supervision ensures the legitimacy of whatever outcome emerges,” Oyekanmi added.
With the legal barrier now lifted, preparations for the PDP convention in Ibadan are expected to intensify, with party stakeholders and delegates from across the 36 states expected to converge for what may shape the opposition’s future direction.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
