Four governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stormed Ibadan on Friday for the party’s national convention, defying a Federal High Court order suspending the exercise. Their arrival came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signaled it would boycott the event, citing the court ruling and raising questions about the legitimacy of the gathering.
Governors Defy Court Order
Four PDP governors — Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo — stormed Ibadan on Friday for the party’s elective convention. Their presence underscored the determination of the party’s leadership to proceed with the event despite a Federal High Court ruling suspending it.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Abuja Division had earlier restrained the PDP from holding the convention until former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido was allowed to purchase a nomination form for the office of National Chairman. The ruling also barred INEC from supervising or monitoring the convention, effectively stripping the exercise of official legitimacy.
INEC Signals Boycott
In line with the court order, INEC announced it would not participate in the Ibadan convention. Officials stressed that the electoral body must comply with judicial directives, raising questions about the legality of any decisions or elections conducted at the gathering.
Factional Battles Within PDP
The convention comes amid intense factional battles within the PDP. Camps loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and acting National Chairman Umar Damagum have clashed over control of the party’s leadership. The Ibadan convention is seen as a test of strength between these rival blocs.
Party leaders in Ibadan described the convention as “historic,” insisting it represents the future of Nigerian democracy despite the legal challenges.
Broader Implications
The unfolding crisis highlights the tension between judicial authority and party politics in Nigeria. With INEC absent, the legitimacy of the Ibadan convention remains in doubt, and the PDP risks deepening internal divisions at a critical time ahead of future elections.
