The crisis within Nigeria's main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has escalated significantly following its national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. Three major state chapters have publicly rejected the event's legitimacy, plunging the party into deeper turmoil.
Three States Form United Front Against Convention
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the PDP chapters in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Jigawa states officially dissociated themselves from the convention that took place on Saturday. The Akwa Ibom chapter led the charge, describing the gathering as "ill-fated, unlawful and devoid of legal validity."
Similarly, the Rivers State chapter declared the convention illegal and insisted that its outcomes would not stand. Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Chairman confirmed that no authentic delegate from their state participated in the proceedings.
Court Orders and INEC Boycott Fuel Controversy
The state chapters pointed to multiple court judgments that had barred the convention from proceeding. Akwa Ibom's Publicity Secretary, Edwin Ebiese, referenced rulings from Justice Donatus Okorowo and Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court that had halted the convention due to procedural violations.
All three state chapters commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for boycotting the event, stating that the commission's action demonstrated commitment to the rule of law. Ebiese noted that INEC's decision aligned with Justice Lifu's ruling in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.
State Chapters Condemn "Charade" and "Sham"
The Akwa Ibom statement characterized the Ibadan convention as a "charade" where organizers brazenly disregarded two subsisting court judgments. The party expressed concern about members who participated despite previously championing internal democracy.
Rivers State PDP's Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, went further, labeling the convention a "sham" and criticizing the disregard for court orders. He expressed confidence that competent courts would declare the convention invalid, urging members to remain calm and trust the judiciary.
In Jigawa State, the party leadership warned against fraudsters posing as delegates at the convention. Chairman Gumel stated that no authentic Jigawa delegate participated in the Ibadan gathering, emphasizing their commitment to boycotting the convention in line with the Federal High Court judgment that restored Sule Lamido's rights to contest the chairmanship.
The deepening crisis highlights significant internal divisions within the PDP as the party struggles to maintain unity ahead of future electoral contests. The rejection by three major state chapters raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the convention's outcomes and the party's national leadership.
