Court Clears PDP to Hold National Convention in Ibadan, Orders INEC to Monitor Exercise

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted approval to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go ahead with its planned National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, effectively clearing all legal hurdles that could have stalled the exercise.

Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice A. L. Akintola granted an interim order authorizing the PDP to conduct the convention in Ibadan, and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor, and observe the proceedings in line with electoral laws.

The ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Governor Umaru Fintiri (who chairs the party’s National Convention Organising Committee), and INEC.

Adelabi, the claimant, had sought an order restraining the defendants from frustrating or interfering with the timetable, guidelines, and schedule of activities leading up to the national convention.

After reviewing the submissions, Justice Akintola held that the claimant established a prima facie case warranting immediate judicial protection.

“The court finds merit in the claimant’s motion ex-parte. The same succeeds and is hereby ordered as prayed,” Justice Akintola ruled.

The court further issued interim injunctions restraining any attempt to halt or disrupt the PDP’s convention plans and compelling the party to proceed in line with its published schedule.

Additionally, the judge directed INEC to ensure full participation by deploying its monitoring officials, pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, which has been adjourned to November 10, 2025.

The official court order, dated November 3, 2025, was issued under the seal of the Oyo State High Court and signed by the Principal Registrar, S. O. Hammed.

With this ruling, the PDP’s preparations for its highly anticipated national convention — where key leadership positions are expected to be contested — can now proceed unhindered.

The development also brings relief to party faithful who had expressed concerns about possible legal bottlenecks ahead of the exercise.

Political observers believe the convention will serve as a defining moment for the opposition party as it seeks to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.