The Peoples Democratic Party's National Convention in Ibadan was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of three sitting governors, raising serious concerns about unity within the opposition party.
Notable Absences Spark Concern
Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers failed to appear at the crucial party gathering taking place at Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan. Their absence comes at a particularly sensitive time for the PDP, which is already grappling with conflicting court orders and internal crisis.
Although neither Adeleke nor Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang has publicly announced plans to leave the PDP, signs emerged on Saturday, November 15, suggesting their potential non-participation in the event.
Banner Controversy Adds to Tension
Delegates from Osun State who arrived in Ibadan as early as Friday, November 14, were unsettled to discover that Governor Adeleke's photograph was missing from a massive banner displaying PDP governors at the stadium. The omission created significant tension among party members, prompting organizers to eventually pull down the banner as the convention progressed.
There was no immediate explanation provided about whether the governor's exclusion from the banner was an oversight or intentional. Similarly, there was no confirmation that delegates from Plateau State were present at the venue.
Mixed Signals from Rivers Delegation
Interestingly, the image of Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, appeared on the banner despite his previous indication that he would not attend the convention. The visual representation contrasted sharply with the reality on the ground, as seats reserved for the Rivers delegation remained empty both before and during the proceedings.
The original banner, titled "PDP Governors," featured photographs of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi (who also serves as chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum), Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.
At the time of reporting, only four governors were confirmed to be attending the convention. The event was still in its preliminary stages, with goodwill messages being delivered and the main election yet to commence.
