The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again been thrown into turmoil following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice James Omotosho issued the interim order while presiding over a case that challenged the legality of the proposed convention. The decision has reopened old wounds and reignited divisions within the main opposition party.
Despite the ruling, the PDP leadership insisted the convention would proceed as planned, describing the judgment as an assault on internal democracy and its constitutional right to self-governance.
Leadership Suspensions and Counter-Suspensions
In response to the growing dispute, the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of several top officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, citing violations of the party’s constitution.
However, the crisis deepened when another faction of the party issued its own suspensions, this time targeting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and four others. The move has further blurred the lines of authority within the PDP.
“Four Against Fifteen” — PDP Chieftain Dismisses Counter-Suspensions
Reacting to the development, former presidential media aide and PDP stalwart, Sani Umar, dismissed the counter-suspensions as baseless and unconstitutional.
“Well, that is just an effort to cover their shame. They don’t have the authority to suspend the national chairman. The national chairman suspended them after the 6:08 p.m. NWC meeting. Out of 19 members, 15 attended that meeting. The four who were suspended cannot form a quorum to suspend anyone. It’s four against fifteen,” Umar stated.
He added that under Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, the NWC has the authority to suspend members for one month pending referral to the National Disciplinary Committee, emphasizing that due process was followed.
“I don’t even know where Anyanwu and his people held their meeting; the National Legal Adviser was not even in the country. So how three or four people held a meeting and claimed to suspend the chairman is laughable,” he said.
Judiciary Under Scrutiny as PDP Plans NJC Petition
Umar also criticised the court ruling, accusing the judiciary of bias and political interference.
He described the decision as “prejudicial, premeditated and politically motivated,” alleging that the court ignored the party’s argument on jurisdiction.
“We know that any matter before him linking a former governor from the South-South, we will not win. We are preparing to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) because he has now displayed his bias,” he said.
Umar confirmed that the party intends to appeal the judgment and seek a stay of execution to enable it to proceed with the convention while the appeal is pending.
He further alleged that the PDP’s internal strife was being fuelled by external political interests.
“These problems are induced by an ex-governor working under the APC administration. This is someone who publicly declared support for Tinubu in 2027. I don’t know why somebody like that should still have any business with the PDP. That’s anti-party activity,” Umar alleged.
He added that the suspensions were part of a calculated strategy to “systematically ease some actors out of the party” through the convention process rather than confrontation.
“If there’s anybody guilty of impunity within the PDP, it’s the ex-governor. He brought in Damagum after Ayu resigned, and before that, he imposed Makarfi, then Secondus, then Ayu, and removed each one when it no longer suited him. Now that it’s not favouring him, he’s crying foul,” Umar said.
Governors Consolidate Power Ahead of 2027
A senior member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) revealed that the current crisis reflects a longstanding power struggle between the party’s organs and its influential governors.
“The governors are the number one pressure group in the PDP. He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” the source said, explaining that control of the convention equates to control of the party’s structure and future.
“Those who control the convention control the party’s direction — from the choice of national chairman to the presidential candidate,” he added.
Another insider claimed some individuals were exploiting the courts to stall reform efforts and preserve the status quo.
The Lamido Factor and Renewed Political Alignments
Sources within the PDP pointed to the renewed visibility of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, as another flashpoint in the deepening crisis.
“Lamido had distanced himself from PDP activities until Wike was suspended. Now, he’s been seen engaging with Wike’s camp, which tells you where his loyalty now lies,” one insider said.
Another source noted that Lamido’s late attempt to purchase nomination forms appeared more symbolic than serious.
“Forms were sold at Legacy House, not Wadata Plaza. Sales opened on September 2 and closed on September 22, with submissions extended to October 27. So how can someone show up on the last day and claim he couldn’t get a form?” the source asked.
A Troubled Path to 2027
As court orders, suspensions and factional battles continue to rock the PDP, stakeholders warn that the party’s greatest challenge lies in restoring credibility and unity before the 2027 elections.
Party elders have urged reconciliation, stressing that without a united front and clear leadership, the PDP risks further fragmentation.
For Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the task ahead is not just about holding a convention — it is about rebuilding trust, healing internal rifts, and proving that it can stand together as a viable alternative in 2027.
