The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has cleared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to proceed with its scheduled elective National Convention on 15 and 16 of November, 2025, as preparations gather momentum across state chapters.

In a ruling delivered by Justice A. L. Akintola, the court granted an interim order allowing the PDP to hold the convention as planned in Ibadan, Oyo State. The judge also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor, and observe the exercise pending the determination of the substantive motion on notice.

The decision followed an ex parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Governor Umaru Fintiri (Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee), and INEC. Adelabi sought to prevent any disruption of the convention timetable and guidelines.

Justice Akintola, in granting the interim reliefs, said the claimant had shown the need for urgent judicial intervention.

“The court finds merit in the claimant’s motion ex parte. The same succeeds and is hereby ordered as prayed,” the judge ruled.

The court order, dated 3 November 2025, restrained any interference with the PDP’s schedule and compelled the defendants to proceed with the national convention as planned. The case was adjourned to 10 November 2025 for the hearing of the substantive motion.

The ruling came just days after a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had halted the planned convention, citing non-compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. The Abuja court also barred INEC from accepting any report from such a convention unless due process was followed.

However, the PDP leadership dismissed the Abuja judgment as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.” National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the party’s legal team had been directed to appeal the decision, insisting that preparations for the convention would continue.

Amid the national legal tussle, the Sokoto State chapter of the PDP on Tuesday inaugurated a committee to coordinate the state’s participation in the convention. The committee was inaugurated by the State Chairman, Hon. Muhammadu Bello Aliyu Goronyo, who charged members to uphold fairness, unity, and transparency in carrying out their duties.

According to Goronyo, the committee’s mandate is to ensure that Sokoto’s delegates participate actively and effectively in the national convention, which he described as a crucial step toward strengthening the PDP’s internal democracy and preparing for the 2027 general elections.

“This committee reflects our collective commitment to internal democracy and party discipline. We expect every member to protect and promote the interest of our great party throughout the convention process,” he said.

The committee is chaired by the State Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Chika Shuni, with the Assistant State Secretary, Alhaji Mustapha Lanas Gidadawa, serving as Secretary. Other members include the Minority Leader of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Magaji; Alhaji Abdullahi Kiryo Yabo; the State Legal Adviser, Barr. Abdulrahman Abubakar; State Auditor, Alhaji Nasiru Shehu Kware; and the State Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal.

Also on the list are the Chairman of the Local Government Chairmen Forum, Alhaji Bello Mai Karfi, and the PDP North-West Zonal Youth Leader, Atiku Muhammad Yabo.

Goronyo said the inauguration demonstrates Sokoto PDP’s readiness to contribute to a free, fair, and credible convention that will “further strengthen the unity and democratic ideals of the party.” He called on party members across the state to rally behind the committee and ensure the success of the exercise.

The forthcoming PDP convention is expected to attract delegates from across Nigeria to elect new national officers and reposition the party ahead of the next general elections. (The Sun, but headline rejigged)