Fubara, other PDP heavyweights shun National Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again grappling with internal turmoil as several top leaders have boycotted the party’s National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The convention—initially billed as a major opportunity to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections—has instead been overshadowed by legal disputes, internal divisions, and the withdrawal of key stakeholders.

Among those absent are Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido. Their absence has intensified concerns over the party’s fragile unity.

The crisis escalated after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the convention, ruling that Sule Lamido must be allowed to purchase a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.

The court further restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or recognising any convention held without his participation.

However, in a conflicting judgment, an Oyo State High Court authorised the PDP to proceed with the event and directed INEC to monitor the exercise in Ibadan.

The opposing court orders have left party members uncertain about the legitimacy of any decisions that may emerge from the convention.

Despite the legal wrangling, preparations went ahead at the Lekan Salami Stadium, which was fully adorned in PDP colours.

Delegates from across the country arrived in buses and checked into hotels, while supporters filled the arena with songs, drums, and dancing on Thursday night.

Still, the absence of influential figures has cast a long shadow over the gathering.

Some insiders fear that resolutions from the convention could face fresh legal challenges or even be nullified.

The Rivers State chapter has already dissociated itself from the event, citing the “leadership crisis at the national level” and multiple litigations bedevilling the party.

It also noted a breakdown in communication between the national leadership and Governor Fubara, leaving the state “completely uninformed” about the convention.

Although delegates from the South-West, South-South, North-West, and North-Central zones have converged on Ibadan, the overall atmosphere remains tense and uncertain.

Many within the party worry that instead of healing longstanding rifts, the convention may further entrench the PDP’s internal fractures.