William Kayode
The Oyo State High Court has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the green light to proceed with its elective National Convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, the state capital.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, effectively resolves uncertainty surrounding whether the opposition party could go ahead with its long-planned convention amid internal disputes and legal attempts to halt the exercise.
The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend and monitor the convention in line with electoral laws. According to reports attributed to Channels Television, the judge affirmed that the electoral body has a statutory duty to observe the proceedings as the party elects new national officers.
The ruling comes at a crucial time for the PDP, which has been navigating factional tensions and leadership battles ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party insiders say the convention is expected to redefine its leadership structure and set the tone for its political strategy going forward.
Legal efforts to stop the convention had been mounted by some party stakeholders who questioned the legitimacy of the planned process and sought judicial intervention. Tuesday’s judgment, however, clears the path for the PDP to consolidate its internal reforms and proceed with preparations.
Reaction from party leaders was still being collated at press time, but senior PDP figures are expected to welcome the decision as a boost to the party’s restructuring efforts.
INEC has not yet issued a formal public statement on the ruling, though sources within the commission say preparations to deploy officials are already under review, in line with the court’s directive.
The convention will mark the party’s first major national gathering since the 2023 elections and is expected to draw delegates from across the federation, signaling what many analysts see as a critical moment for the opposition’s repositioning bid.
Further details on the court ruling and convention arrangements are expected as PDP and electoral officials respond to the development.