The People's Democratic Party (PDP) faced significant internal divisions during its national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, as three sitting governors conspicuously absent from the crucial gathering.
Notable Absences Highlight Party Rift
The two-day convention took place on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, 2025, but was marked by the absence of key party figures. Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba) all failed to attend the important party event, signaling deepening fractures within Nigeria's main opposition party.
Major Suspensions Announced
During the convention, the PDP leadership took decisive action against several prominent members. The party announced the suspension of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has been at the center of recent political controversies.
Also suspended were former Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose and former national secretary Samuel Anyanwu. The purge extended to other party officials including the PDP's national legal adviser Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), AbdulRahman Mohammed, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Umar Bature, Austin Nwachukwu, Mao Chuambuwa, and Abraham Ammah.
Profiles of Absent Governors
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has experienced a turbulent political journey since his election in May 2023. His absence from the convention comes after a particularly challenging period that saw President Bola Tinubu declare emergency rule in Rivers state and suspend Fubara on March 18, 2025, replacing him with Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas. His suspension was eventually lifted on September 18, 2025.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who has been serving since 2022, previously represented the Osun-West senatorial district from 2017 to 2019. Despite the national party crisis, Adeleke has expressed confidence that the internal conflicts will not affect his re-election bid for the August 8, 2026 governorship election, declaring he is "cruising to victory."
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State added to the convention's drama with reports suggesting he had been "handed over" to the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he has not officially defected from the PDP, making his absence particularly noteworthy.
Convention Conducted Under Legal Cloud
The convention proceeded under controversial circumstances, with reports indicating that observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were absent from the event. The gathering also faced multiple court injunctions, raising questions about the legitimacy of the proceedings and decisions taken during the convention.
The absence of three sitting governors, coupled with the suspension of high-profile party members and the lack of INEC oversight, points to a party grappling with significant internal challenges as it positions itself for future electoral contests, including the crucial 2027 general elections.
