The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in a significant leadership crisis, culminating in a highly contentious national convention planned for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. This event is proceeding despite multiple conflicting court orders and deep internal divisions, raising questions about the party's future and its adherence to its own constitution and legal processes.

A major legal challenge originated from Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa State, who filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Lamido alleged that he was unjustly denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest for the party's National Chairmanship. On November 14, Justice Peter Lifu delivered a final judgment, affirming Lamido's right to contest and ruling that the PDP had violated its constitution and internal regulations by foreclosing his opportunity. The court specifically noted that the party closed the sales of nomination forms 19 days before the convention, contrary to its own guideline of 14 days. Consequently, Justice Lifu issued an order restraining the PDP from conducting its national convention and further prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognizing the outcome of any convention held without Lamido's participation as a candidate. Lamido, refuting rumors of withdrawing his suit, declared his commitment to upholding the court's decision and stated he would not attend the convention.

Adding to the legal complexities, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan issued its own set of rulings. On November 4, Justice A.L. Akintola, following an ex parte application, ordered the PDP to proceed with its national convention as scheduled. This interim injunction was subsequently reaffirmed on November 14, despite a preliminary objection from INEC's counsel challenging the court's jurisdiction. Justice Akintola adjourned the jurisdiction ruling to December 8, 2025, but maintained that the earlier order allowing the convention to proceed remained valid and enforceable. This created a direct conflict between the Federal High Court's prohibitory order and the Oyo State High Court's affirmative order.

Despite the Federal High Court's injunction, the faction loyal to PDP National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum pressed ahead with convention preparations in Ibadan. The party's decision was reportedly based on a recent Supreme Court verdict that limits judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties. Delegates, aspirants, and party officials began arriving in Ibadan, with flags and billboards flooding the venue. The Oyo State PDP Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunsina, confirmed the convention would proceed as planned, asserting robust security arrangements and optimism for a peaceful event. The party also publicly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to derail the convention through misinformation and legal distractions.

The underlying leadership crisis within the PDP is multifaceted and deeply entrenched. The Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) had suspended several key officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, citing