Ibadan convention: PDP delegates arrive amid Saraki’s cancellation move

Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is abuzz with last-minute preparations for the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party amid a potential showdown between factional camps in the opposition party.

Billed to take place on Saturday and Sunday, the convention is perhaps the most controversial in the PDP’s history, as a faction of the party pulled out.

In the buildup to the event, the National Working Committee, led by the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, suspended the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for one month for alleged anti-party activities.

This was the sequel to Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja’s ruling, which placed the convention on hold, citing the party’s failure to abide by its own rules.

Omotosho anchored his ruling on the failure by the leadership of the party to have its designated officials sign the notice of the convention before transmitting the same to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

As a result, the judge barred INEC from monitoring the event.

Relief, however, came the way of the Damagum-led NWC when Justice Ladiran Akintola, through an ex parte motion, directed the PDP to conduct the convention.

Earlier in the week, Justice Peter Lifu appeared to have dashed the hope of the main opposition party when ruling on a suit brought before him by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, suspended the convention, citing Lamido ‘s inability to get a nomination form to vie for the Office of the National Chairman at the convention.

Again, Justice Akintola extended his interim order and directed the PDP to go ahead with the convention.

On Wednesday, the Lekan Salami Stadium, venue of the convention, wore a new look, with massive decorations in the party’s colours still ongoing as of Thursday morning.

Over 3,000 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to attend the event.

Also expected are party leaders, key stakeholders, and international observers, including members of the diplomatic community.

The convention will feature the election of key national officers, including a new National Chairman, National Secretary, and other key members of the NWC and their deputies.

The PUNCH gathered that the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, was on hand on Thursday to witness ongoing work at the Lekan Salami Stadium with a day left for the big event.
It was learnt that events at the Lekan Salami Stadium would be transmitted to the public in English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa to ensure inclusivity, with live broadcasts planned for global audiences.

Source: Punch