The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, has announced the cancellation of the party’s proposed national convention that was scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Mohammed made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, where he addressed the media alongside the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
According to him, the decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a recent judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which made certain pronouncements affecting the party’s internal leadership and planned activities. The judgment was delivered by Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.
Mohammed explained that the party’s legal department, led by its National Legal Adviser, Mr. Ajibade K.A. (SAN), had thoroughly reviewed the judgment and advised the leadership to comply with the law by suspending all actions that could contradict the ruling.
He said the PDP had also filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial interpretation and clarification in order to ensure that its next steps were legally sound and in line with the constitution.
Speaking at the press briefing, Mohammed said the leadership’s decision to cancel the Ibadan convention was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of the party’s respect for the rule of law and the judiciary.
He said, “The National Leadership of the PDP, under my humble leadership as Acting National Chairman, in collaboration with our National Secretary, hereby formally informs the Nigerian public that we have received the Certified True Copy of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Omotosho.
“Our National Legal Adviser has given a detailed legal opinion on the implications of the judgment. Therefore, in strict adherence to due process and our commitment to fairness, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal for further judicial clarification.”
He added that in view of the ongoing legal process, continuing with the Ibadan convention would amount to violating a valid court judgment.
“Consequently, having lodged an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal. Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned,” he said.
Mohammed further disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been formally informed of the party’s decision to suspend the planned convention.
He explained that since INEC was a party to the suit in question, it was already aware of the Federal High Court’s judgment. However, he said it was important for the PDP to officially communicate its compliance with the court’s directive.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission was a party to the suit and is fully aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court. Nevertheless, we have deemed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgment,” he stated.
The Acting Chairman also addressed reports of an ex-parte order issued by a High Court in Oyo State, which some members of the party had cited as grounds for proceeding with the Ibadan convention.
He clarified that while the PDP leadership was aware of the order, it could not take effect over a valid and subsisting judgment from the Federal High Court.
He said, “We are also aware of an ex-parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State. While we await the Certified True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex-parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court. We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The development highlights the growing internal disputes within the PDP, which has in recent months been battling leadership challenges and disagreements over the planned convention to elect new national officers.
The Peoples Democratic Party, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has faced a series of internal crises since the 2023 general elections. Disputes over zoning, leadership succession, and control of party structures have divided the NWC and several state chapters.
The proposed national convention in Ibadan was expected to serve as a major reconciliation platform where party leaders would come together to elect a substantive national chairman and other key officers ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.
However, the new court ruling and subsequent suspension of the convention have once again delayed that process.
Some party members have expressed support for the Acting Chairman’s decision, saying it was necessary to avoid contempt of court. Others, however, argue that the cancellation of the Ibadan convention may further deepen the party’s divisions.
A senior PDP member, who preferred not to be named, said, “The Acting Chairman has done the right thing by obeying the court order. We cannot afford to disregard the rule of law. It is better to wait for the appeal court’s decision than to hold an illegal convention.”
Another party stalwart from the South-West, however, lamented that the delay would affect the party’s plans for unity. “The Ibadan convention was supposed to be a turning point for reconciliation. Postponing it will prolong our internal crisis,” he said.
Despite the disagreements, the PDP leadership has assured members that the party remains committed to internal democracy and transparency. Mohammed urged members to remain calm and united as the leadership works through the legal process.
He concluded: “We appeal to our members and supporters across Nigeria to remain law-abiding, patient, and committed to the ideals of our great party. We are confident that justice will prevail and that the PDP will emerge stronger from this temporary setback.”
