The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boldly moved forward with its National Elective Convention in Ibadan on Saturday, demonstrating defiance against multiple court rulings that sought to halt the crucial political gathering.
Massive Turnout Despite Legal Challenges
The 10,000-capacity Adamasingba Stadium and surrounding areas witnessed an impressive turnout as delegates, officials, and enthusiastic supporters from across Nigeria filled the venue to capacity. The convention commenced with the symbolic presentation of flags to key party leaders, setting the stage for the day's proceedings.
Ambassador Ilya Damagum, the PDP National Chairman, received the party flag, while Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa State governor and Chairman of the Convention Committee, was handed the Convention Flag. The Nigerian Flag went to Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum, while host governor Seyi Makinde received the Oyo State Flag.
Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro and Hon. Fred Agbedi were honored with the Senate and House of Representatives flags respectively, completing the ceremonial opening.
Party Leadership Stands Firm Against Legal Pressure
Despite an Abuja High Court ruling obtained by former Adamawa governor Sule Lamido and other existing court orders aiming to stop the convention, PDP leaders remained resolute in their decision to proceed with the event.
Emma Ogini, National Vice Chairman (South South), confidently told journalists that the court rulings posed no significant threat to the process. "Look at the delegates and the crowd—they came voluntarily. We will appeal the judgments. This party is an Iroko tree; no amount of scheming from the APC or federal might can uproot it," he declared, while alleging that President Bola Tinubu was behind the party's internal crisis.
Former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George expressed disappointment in Lamido for taking the party to court, asserting that the convention and its outcomes would stand regardless of what he described as "the antics of the party's undertakers."
Accreditation and Preparations
Accreditation of more than 3,000 delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory began in the afternoon, following the arrival of thousands of party members in Ibadan since Friday.
On the eve of the convention, Governor Makinde hosted an important dinner attended by PDP governors, former governors, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and members of the National Working Committee, demonstrating unity ahead of the main event.
In his opening remarks, Convention Committee Chairman Ahmadu Fintiri dismissed what he called "deliberate obstacles" placed before the PDP, assuring delegates that resolutions reached during the convention would remain valid and binding.
National Chairman Damagum, while welcoming delegates, urged party members to maintain calm and commitment to the party's revival efforts. He specifically commended Governor Makinde, the Convention Committee, and state governors for their instrumental roles in organizing the successful exercise.
At exactly 4:06 p.m., Damagum formally declared the convention open, marking a significant moment in the party's history.
Confident Voices for Party Revival
Governor Seyi Makinde expressed strong confidence that the ongoing convention would mark a major turning point for the PDP at the national level. He commended the resilience and steadfastness of party members nationwide, acknowledging that the journey to the convention had been long and challenging.
"Let me use this opportunity to welcome you to Ibadan. It has been a long stretch of battles to get to this point. This exercise will be the convention that brings about the turnaround of the PDP nationally," Makinde stated optimistically.
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, emphasized that the gathering reflected a collective resolve to reposition the party for future success. "We are here today as a united front to move this party forward. I therefore enjoin all who are present to cooperate with us so that we can safeguard the future of this party," he appealed to attendees.
The convention saw participation from several prominent governors including Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). The Deputy Governor of Osun State represented Governor Ademola Adeleke, ensuring broad representation from PDP-controlled states.
The Members of the Board of Trustees expressed confidence in the legality of the exercise, further strengthening the party's position against the legal challenges it faced.
