2027: PDP Crisis Deepens as Factions Clash Over Convention, Court Ruling, and Party Control

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again engulfed in internal turmoil as a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s proposed national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice James Omotosho issued the restraining order in response to a suit challenging the legality of the planned convention — a ruling that has reopened old rifts and intensified the battle for control of Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Despite the court’s decision, the PDP leadership has vowed to proceed with the convention as planned, describing the judgment as an attack on internal democracy and a violation of the party’s constitutional autonomy.

In a dramatic twist, the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of several key officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, citing constitutional breaches.

However, a rival faction countered with its own round of suspensions, targeting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and four others — further deepening confusion over who truly leads the PDP.

“Four Against Fifteen” — PDP Chieftain Sani Umar Dismisses Counter-Suspensions

Reacting to the crisis, PDP chieftain and former presidential media aide Sani Umar described the counter-suspensions as “desperate, illegal, and reactionary.”

“That’s just an effort to cover their shame. They don’t have the authority to suspend the national chairman. Out of 19 members of the NWC, 15 attended the meeting where those officials were suspended. The four cannot form a quorum — it’s four against fifteen,” Umar said.

He argued that under Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, the NWC has the power to suspend members for one month pending referral to the National Disciplinary Committee, insisting due process was followed.

“I don’t even know where Anyanwu and his people held their meeting; the National Legal Adviser was not even in the country. How three or four people claim to have suspended the Chairman is laughable,” he added.

Judiciary Under Fire — PDP to Petition NJC

Umar also criticised Justice Omotosho’s ruling, alleging judicial bias and overreach.

“The judgment merely asked us to give another 21-day notice to INEC — something we had already done. The plaintiffs didn’t even ask for that relief. The judge gave them what they didn’t request,” he said.

He described the ruling as “prejudicial, premeditated, and politically motivated,” claiming the court ignored jurisdictional issues.

“We are preparing to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) because the judge has now displayed his bias,” Umar said, adding that the party would appeal the ruling and seek a stay of execution to allow the convention to proceed.

According to Umar, the crisis is being fuelled by external political forces, including an ex-governor allegedly aligned with the ruling APC.

“These problems are induced by an ex-governor who has publicly declared support for Tinubu in 2027. That’s anti-party activity,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the current wave of suspensions was part of a larger plan to quietly sideline some actors within the PDP ahead of the convention.

“If there’s anyone guilty of impunity in the PDP, it’s that ex-governor. He imposed and removed past chairmen — Makarfi, Secondus, and Ayu — whenever it suited him. Now that it doesn’t favour him, he calls others undemocratic,” Umar stated.

Governors Tighten Grip Ahead of 2027

A senior member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) revealed that the current turmoil reflects a power struggle between party organs and the bloc of governors who now dominate PDP decisions.

“The governors are the number one pressure group in the PDP. He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” the source said.

He noted that the battle over the convention was essentially about control of party structures and resources ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Those who control the convention control the party’s future — from who becomes national chairman to who flies the presidential flag,” the insider explained.

Another party source suggested that some members are using the courts to stall internal reforms and delay the restructuring process.

The Lamido Factor

Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has reportedly become a new flashpoint in the escalating PDP feud.

“Lamido was among those who refused to engage in party activities until Wike was suspended. Now he’s been meeting with the Wike camp — a clear shift in allegiance,” one source claimed.

Another insider downplayed Lamido’s attempt to buy nomination forms late in the process, calling it symbolic rather than serious.

“Forms were sold between September 2 and 22 at Legacy House, not Wadata Plaza. Submissions were extended to October 27. Showing up on the final day and claiming he couldn’t get a form is just political drama,” the source added.

Uncertain Road Ahead

As the PDP battles court injunctions, counter-suspensions, and internal rebellion, party elders warn that unity and credibility must be restored before 2027.

“Without reconciliation and clear leadership, the opposition risks further fragmentation,” one senior member said.

For the PDP, the challenge goes beyond organising a convention — it is about rebuilding trust, healing divisions, and proving it can stand united ahead of the next election.

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