The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced its national convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State, despite ongoing litigation surrounding the event.
Several prominent party figures, including governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Sim Fubara (Rivers), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), were not present at the opening of the convention.
However, other key leaders, such as Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and the acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, attended the proceedings.
Also in attendance were Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and party chieftain Bode George.
The convention featured a ceremonial flag presentation. Damagum received the PDP flag, Fintiri, the chairman of the convention, received the national convention flag, Governor Bala Mohammed received the Nigerian flag, and host Governor Makinde received the Oyo State flag.
Senate and House of Representatives flags were handed to Moro and Fred Agbedi, respectively.
The convention began with the accreditation of over 3,000 delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Preparations included extensive security arrangements and vibrant participation, with delegates dressed in colorful attire.
Governor Makinde had hosted a pre-convention dinner on Friday for PDP governors, former governors, the BoT chairman, and members of the National Working Committee.
The convention proceeds despite weeks of litigation. The Wike-led faction of the party had raised concerns over unresolved issues, including the conduct of congresses.
This disagreement split the party into two factions, led by Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammad.
While Damagum’s camp insisted on holding the convention, Muhammad’s faction sought to halt it following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja.
The Board of Trustees, led by Wabara, confirmed the convention would continue as planned, despite a restraining order issued by Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan adjourned its decision on a separate suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the matter.
