A tense but resolute atmosphere dominated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention in Ibadan on Saturday, as delegates, leaders and governors converged on the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, for an exercise the party insisted must hold despite must hold despite internalconflicts and competing court orders.

The convention went ahead in defiance of two separate court rulings that attempted to stop it, with the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee proceeding on the strength of a counter-judgement secured at an Oyo State High Court.

Delegates and speakers repeatedly referenced the legal dispute, describing the eventual holding of the convention as a statement of the PDP’s resilience and refusal to back down.

They noted that its eventual success demonstrated the PDP’s capacity to withstand pressure and remain united.

Tensions rose early at the venue when angry delegates pulled down the posters of two “conspicuously absent” governors, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, in protest against their failure to attend the convention.

Delegates argued that the convention was too crucial for any key party leader to shun.

Governors present at the event included Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and the host governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Also in attendance were PDP leaders such as ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara, former governors Udom Emmanuel, Babangida Aliyu, and Ibrahim Shekarau, among other party heavyweights.

In one of the day’s most consequential decisions, the PDP expelled a number of high-profile members over alleged anti-party activities.

Those expelled included Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; factional National Chairman, Samuel Anyanwu; and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose.

The motion for their expulsion, moved by PDP founding father Chief Bode George and seconded by Governor Bala Mohammed, received unanimous support from delegates.

Others expelled were the party’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), Umar Bature, AbdulRahman Mohammed, Mao Chuambuwa, George Turner, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Ammah and Dan Orbih.

In his address, host Governor ‘Seyi Makinde declared that the Ibadan 2025 National Convention would be remembered as the turning point for the PDP.

He said: “I want to welcome everyone to this convention, the resilient members of the PDP. Let me use this opportunity to welcome you to Ibadan, Oyo State.”

Explaining the journey to the convention, Makinde added: “We have fought a long stretch of battle to get to this point, but here we are. And by the grace of God, this convention will go down as the convention that brought a turn-around to the PDP nationally.”

In a lighter tone, he urged delegates to enjoy the hospitality of Ibadan, saying, “So, as you go around, don’t only politick, you should also use the opportunity to take amala and gbegiri in Ibadan.
On that note, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, especially members of the PDP, we welcome you.”

The Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Umaru Fintiri, said Nigerians were looking to the PDP for rescue from national hardship.

He declared: “Power to the party stands for a party solidly formed on the tenets of courage and democratic ideals to rescue Nigeria. And it must at all times never veer off from the course of our fundamental tenets.”

He added: “Nigeria and Nigerians are still looking up to us to play that role that has always been our tradition. Indeed, Nigeria has reset back to the pre-PDP era and is dearly looking up to the PDP to pull its arm.”

Fintiri emphasised the need for unity, adding that: “We must admit that whatever bad that has happened to Nigeria over the past few years has also happened to our party.”

“The soul of the party is still intact because there are men and women who believe in the party’s fundamental tenets.”

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, also highlighted the unified presence of governors at the event.

He said: “As you can see, we are here today as a united front to take this party forward. We are appealing to everyone that is here to give us the maximum support so that we can save the future of Nigeria. I wish us a successful deliberation.”

In his goodwill message, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the convention as a significant victory for the party.

He said: “This party will not die. This gathering is a testament to our resilience, democratic spirit and collective commitment to the ideals of unity, progress and service to the Nigerian people.”

“I want to thank the delegates for coming but I can’t do that without thanking the host governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde for his resilience and for the resources. It is not easy.”

He urged the incoming NWC to adopt inclusive leadership, stating: “The task ahead requires unity of purpose, boldness, courage, discipline and an unwavering focus on the aspirations of Nigerians, who look to our party for hope and leadership.”

Senator Abdul Ningi, speaking for the PDP Senate Caucus, said the turnout at the convention proved the party’s continued relevance.

He declared: “We have come, we have seen and we have conquered. The multitude that we have seen here today means that PDP is not dead, and it cannot die.”

Hon. Fred Agbedi, representing the PDP caucus of the House of Representatives, pledged unwavering support for the party leadership while warning against internal saboteurs.

He said the caucus would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the party to reposition it for future electoral challenges.

As of the time of filing this report, casting of votes by delegates was ongoing.