PDP Pushes Back on Criticism as Questions Emerge Over Ibadan Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says decisions taken at its National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, remain valid and binding, despite objections from some former members and their supporters.
Party officials insist the convention was convened in line with the PDP constitution and long-standing internal procedures, with accredited delegates from across the country participating in deliberations and voting on key resolutions.
Among the outcomes of the convention was the ratification of disciplinary measures, including the expulsion of several high-profile figures.
The PDP says these actions followed internal reviews that found the affected individuals to have acted in ways inconsistent with the party’s rules and interests.
Those named include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as well as Abdulrahman Mohammed, Samuel Anyanwu, and others.
According to the party, formal notices of expulsion were issued, and the individuals involved are no longer holding any leadership position or authority within the PDP.
Party sources say that, under its constitution, expelled members automatically lose the right to speak or act on behalf of the organization.
Any claim to represent the PDP, they argue, has no legal or organisational basis.
The controversy has drawn reactions from within the party.
The PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum has criticized what it describes as continued attempts by some expelled figures to influence party affairs.
In a statement, the Forum accused them of actions that it said undermined party unity and risked weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of the Ibadan convention argue that enforcing discipline is necessary to preserve internal democracy and prevent the emergence of parallel party structures.
They maintain that the convention marked an effort to reassert party supremacy at a time of internal strain.
Critics, however, have questioned both the process and the implications of the expulsions, highlighting the deep divisions that continue to affect Nigeria’s major opposition party.
The PDP leadership says it is now focused on rebuilding unity among remaining members and strengthening its role as a credible opposition.
It insists that no amount of political pressure or legal challenge can overturn decisions reached at a properly convened national convention.
Those named in the dispute have not publicly responded to the latest claims.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the Ibadan convention is increasingly seen by party insiders as a turning point either as a step towards consolidation or a moment that exposed the depth of the PDP’s internal challenges.
