Abuja, Nigeria—The simmering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a critical boiling point, with the faction led by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, reportedly daring the camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, by insisting that the party's National Convention will hold as scheduled on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.¹

This unwavering stance by the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Damagum, directly challenges a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained the party from holding the convention until it complies with statutory requirements.

Ignoring the Court Order

The clash follows a judgment delivered on October 31, 2025, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.² The judgment, widely hailed by the Wike faction as a victory for "impunity's downfall," was based on the party's failure to comply with relevant laws regarding the conduct of state congresses and the legal validity of correspondences signed only by the National Chairman without the National Secretary.³

Despite this legal impediment, sources close to the Damagum-led NWC have indicated that the convention planning is proceeding, and the party leadership is actively exploring an expedited appeal or a legal maneuver to vacate the order before the scheduled date.

Wike Camp's Victory and Demands

The Wike-aligned faction, often referred to as the 'G-5' or 'Integrity Group,' views the court ruling as a necessary check on the current party leadership. Key demands from this group, which they warn must be met for a valid convention, include:

• Fresh Congresses: Conduct of fresh congresses in states like Ebonyi and Anambra.⁴

• Zoning Formula: Adherence to a specific 2021 zoning formula, which the group wants retained to determine the next set of national officers.⁵

• Addressing Impunity: Resolving the legality issues cited by the court, particularly the alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

The camp loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Damagum NWC, however, remains resolute, emphasizing the need for party unity and discipline, and describing the convention as vital for stabilizing the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.⁶

A Race Against Time

With only days remaining before the scheduled date, the PDP is facing a race against time to either overturn the court order or reach an internal political compromise. Failure to do so could further deepen the factional crisis, potentially invalidating the outcome of any convention held in defiance of the court.

The November 15-16 convention is intended to elect new national officers, and its success or failure will significantly shape the opposition party's structure and strategy for the next electoral cycle.⁷

The PDP's internal conflict is now a public legal and political battle.