The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in a significant internal crisis, marked by leadership disputes, suspensions, and conflicting court rulings, all unfolding as the party gears up for an elective national convention. In response to the escalating tensions, the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, establishing a high-powered committee aimed at reconciling warring factions and restoring unity within its ranks.

The BoT's reconciliation committee, chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North East) with Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (South South) as secretary, includes Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East), Senator Zaynab Kure (North Central), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West), and Dr. Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North West). This committee is tasked with submitting its report by November 11, ahead of the planned elective national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The BoT reaffirmed its stance that the PDP remains a united and formidable political party under the leadership of the Ambassador Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), emphasizing that the "tensions, misunderstandings, and regrettable incidents," including the invasion of the national secretariat, do not reflect the party's ideals. The BoT, acting as the conscience of the party, pledged to remain neutral, safeguard the party's integrity, and prioritize dialogue over discord, framing the decision for reconciliation as a sign of maturity.

The crisis intensified with a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions. The Damagum-led NWC, following an emergency meeting, suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature for one month due to alleged "anti-party activities." The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally acknowledged this resolution on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Consequently, the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, was directed to act as the National Secretary. However, in a tit-for-tat move, a faction led by Samuel Anyanwu, reportedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, announced the suspension of key NWC members, including Chairman Umar Damagum, Spokesperson Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Vice-Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyenguikoro, National Youth Leader Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo. This faction subsequently appointed Abdulrahman Mohammed as the acting national chairman, who then declared himself the acting chairman at the party's secretariat, demanding Damagum's resignation.

The national convention itself became a focal point of legal contention. An Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, delivered a ruling that was welcomed by the BoT, affirming the PDP’s constitutional right to manage its internal affairs and proceed with its convention as scheduled. The BoT hailed this as a "victory for democracy, rule of law, and political development." However, a conflicting judgment from the Federal High Court in Abuja, delivered by Honorable Justice Omotosho in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, introduced significant complications. According to Okechukwu Osuoha, the suspended Deputy National Legal Adviser, this Federal High Court ruling explicitly stated that the issue was not merely about internal party affairs but about "violations of extant laws and the rule of law," ordering that "things must be done properly before the convention could hold." Critically, the court also issued an injunction restraining INEC from monitoring any convention until the party complied with due process.

Responding to the Federal High Court judgment, Abdulrahman Mohammed, acting as the purported National Chairman, announced the cancellation of the proposed Ibadan National Convention. He cited the Certified True Copy of the Federal High Court judgment (Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025) and confirmed that an appeal had been filed at the Court of Appeal for "further judicial clarification." Mohammed emphasized that proceeding with the convention would violate the rule of law and stated that INEC had been notified of the suspension. He also clarified that an ex-parte order from an Oyo State High Court could not override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court, reiterating adherence to valid judicial authority. Okechukwu Osuoha further underscored the necessity of strict adherence to the rule of law and reconciliation, describing the attempt to seek a contrary order from a state high court of coordinate jurisdiction as "judicial rascality." He warned that ignoring legal directives could lead to the nullification of convention outcomes and candidate tickets.

Amidst these turbulent events, the BoT firmly reaffirmed Ambassador Umar Damagum as the party's legitimate National Chairman, passing a vote of confidence on his leadership and commending the NWC for its role in stabilizing the party. Damagum, acknowledging the initial divisions upon his assumption of office, spoke of his commitment to reconciliation over retribution, asserting that his decisions were always for the sake of the enduring institution of the PDP. He urged members to demonstrate courage and loyalty, stressing the need for men and women of integrity in the next NWC to rebuild the party.

The internal discord also manifested at the state level, with the PDP Ebonyi State chapter dismissing purported suspensions of its leaders by a "faceless individual." The Ebonyi chapter clarified that it currently lacks a state working committee and therefore cannot take such decisions. They cited Federal High Court rulings from November 11, 2024 (Suit FHC/AI/CS/183/2024) and October 31, 2025 (Suit FHA/FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025) which nullified a congress organized by an expelled former zonal chairman. The chapter confirmed it is working with the National Working Committee to schedule new congresses.

Adding a voice of calm, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State appealed to PDP members to remain steadfast and united, describing the national crisis as a "family affair" that party stakeholders would soon resolve. He expressed confidence that the party would regain its strength and achieve success in future elections, urging leaders to intensify mobilization efforts for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State. This confluence of legal battles, leadership struggles, and calls for unity paints a picture of a party at a critical juncture, navigating complex challenges to solidify its future ahead of crucial political engagements.