A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Hon. Morufu Tosin Ibrahim, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Announcing his defection in Irun Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area, Ibrahim – popularly known as Murphy – said his political focus is now centered on ensuring President Tinubu’s continuity in office beyond 2027.
According to him, his decision to join the APC and the increasing wave of support for the party across communities were not products of formal campaign activities but an organic expression of satisfaction with President Tinubu’s performance in office.
“I am here to make sure that Oke-Irun Surulere Ward is moving ahead and faster. I also want to rally round for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At the grassroots, we are mobilising for him.
“I want to make sure 2027 is assured for President Tinubu. I have begun with my various groups to canvass support for him from the grassroots,” Ibrahim stated.
The former PDP stalwart commended President Tinubu for demonstrating exemplary leadership, noting that his economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results across the country.
He pledged to work tirelessly to mobilise grassroots support for the President and strengthen the APC’s base across Ondo State while urging party members to remain united and steadfast in preparation for future elections.
Receiving the defector, the APC Chairman of Irun Ward 7, Mr. Lasisi Ajongbolo described Ibrahim’s defection as a major boost for the party and President Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.
Ajongbolo praised Ibrahim as “a big pillar” whose selfless contributions to community development transcend political affiliations.
“His coming to the APC is an added advantage that will improve our chances ahead of the 2027 elections. There is no other party in this community than APC.
“Hon. Ibrahim is driven by compassion and a genuine desire to uplift others. He has continued to invest heavily in humanitarian and community development projects.
“His decision to come home and identify with his ward and community marks a new chapter of unity and leadership,” he said.
He added that the warm reception Ibrahim received in his political ward was a reflection of the immense love and trust his people have in him.
“Hon. Morufu Tosin Ibrahim, described by many as a visionary, compassionate, and people-oriented leader, is regarded as part of a new generation shaping the future of Ondo State politics.
“Ibrahim (Murphy) is more than a name; he is a movement of hope, an embodiment of integrity, and a symbol of transformational leadership.
“His journey inspires faith in the power of vision, compassion, and service to humanity,” Mr Ajongbolo said.
Tag: PDP
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Ondo PDP chieftain defects to APC, begins grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election
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JUST IN: Ohabunwa emerges factional PDP BOT chairman
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, has elected Mao Ohabunwa as the chairman of its new board of trustees (BoT).
Ohabunwa was elected on Friday after a meeting at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister’s official residence in Abuja.
At the event, Isah Dansidi emerged as the secretary of the board.
Speaking during the inauguration, Abdulrahman said the move was to restore true values to the party and regain public trust.
The PDP chairman said: “We have come together not merely to inaugurate a new board of trustees but to renew our faith in the ideals that gave birth to this great political family — justice, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law”.
According to him, recent developments in the party, such as internal challenges and disputes, have set the party off from the very principles that formed it.
Abdulrahman noted that the previous board of trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, lost its moral balance, and that his suspension by the Abia State chapter of the PDP was a difficult but necessary step.
“We must also be honest with ourselves – the decay we are correcting today did not start yesterday. It began when we abandoned the principle of zoning before the 2015 elections. It began when we allowed ambition to override equity, and when we ignored the cries of reason from within our own ranks. The consequences of those decisions still haunt us today,” he said.
“I stand before you to assure every member of this great party that under this new leadership, the PDP will never again be held hostage by impunity, manipulation, or disregard for its own constitution.
“We will rebuild this party with transparency. We will respect court judgments and the rule of law. We will conduct our congresses with fairness and integrity. We will restore public trust and make the PDP once again the moral voice of Nigeria’s democracy.”
He vowed to reposition the party and bring peace.
At the meeting were PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyawu, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, among others.
Details shortly……
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Pro-Wike PDP faction dissolves Wabara-led BoT
The faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Friday dissolved the Board of Trustees (BoT) led by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, citing loss of credibility and moral authority.
The move followed the inauguration of a new Board of Trustees by the factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, at a meeting hosted by Wike at his Life Camp official residence in Abuja.
In his address shortly before the meeting went into a closed door, Muhammad said the exercise was part of efforts to restore discipline, constitutional order and moral direction within the party, which, he lamented, had been eroded under the previous leadership.
He accused the dissolved Wabara-led BoT of losing “the moral balance expected of that noble institution”, noting that Wabara’s suspension by the Abia State Chapter of the party for alleged anti-party activities rendered his continued leadership “untenable”.
“The Board that was meant to be the moral compass of our party became divided and ineffective. The credibility of that leadership was heavily questioned, and its continued role in national advisory matters became impossible to sustain,” he said.
Muhammad also blamed the tenure of the ‘suspended’ National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, for what he described as the party’s moral decline and disregard for judicial authority.
He accused Damagum of protecting individuals who violated the party’s constitution, choosing “convenience over the rule of law”.
“When any political party begins to disregard its own constitution and laws, it loses the very soul that holds it together. This was the painful reality we faced,” he declared.
The Acting Chairman hailed the intervention of three concerned party members who sought judicial redress to “save the PDP from itself”, saying their action led to the recent Federal High Court judgement that paved the way for the reconstitution of the BoT.
“The court judgement was not an attack on the PDP; it was a reminder that no institution is greater than the law,” Muhammad noted, describing the decision as “a wake-up call to return to our roots and reawaken the values that once made the PDP the pride of Africa.”
He said the newly inaugurated BoT would serve as a “symbol of rebirth” and the “conscience and compass” of the PDP, adding that its members were chosen to uphold integrity and fairness rather than loyalty or factional interest.
“This is not a reward for loyalty; it is a sacred trust. Your voices must be voices of unity, your advice rooted in fairness, and your actions must inspire confidence in our collective future,” he stated.
The PDP chairman admitted that the party’s internal decay began when it jettisoned its zoning principle before the 2015 elections, allowing personal ambition to override equity. He said the new leadership was determined to rebuild the PDP on the foundations of transparency, justice, and adherence to court judgements.
He said: “We will rebuild this party with transparency. We will respect court judgements and the rule of law. We will conduct our congresses with fairness and integrity. We will restore public trust and make the PDP once again the moral voice of Nigeria’s democracy”.
Muhammad warned that the party would no longer hide under the excuse of “internal affairs” to justify impunity, insisting that party autonomy must operate within constitutional limits.
“Internal affairs must still operate under constitutional order. Party autonomy cannot mean lawlessness. We must reform or risk irrelevance,” he stated.
He also called for unity and reform, declaring, “Let history record that when the PDP stood at the edge of the precipice, men and women of goodwill rose to pull it back. Together, we can heal our party and restore the PDP as the true hope of Nigeria’s democratic future.”
He said the party will always seek peace and growth of the PDP.
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Forum of state chairmen back Damagum, PDP convention
- Court to rule in Lamido suit Tue
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairmen yesterday pledged their loyalty to the embattled National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.
The chairmen under the aegis of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen dissociated themselves from the factional Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahaman Mohammed, describing him as an interloper.
The chairmen, who vowed not to abandon Damagun, urged delegates from the state chapters to prepare for the National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on November 15 and 16.
The proposed convention is still a bone of contention in the court. While Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the convention should not hold, an Ibadan High Court presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola gave an ex parte order granting leave to the party to proceed with the preparations.
The motion on notice comes up for hearing on Monday.
Also yesterday, a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu reserved ruling till Tuesday on a motion by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, seeking to restrain the main opposition party from holding the convention.
The former governor had gone to court to seek a relief prohibiting the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) from excluding him from the chairmanship contest.
Lamido, one of the PDP founding fathers, claimed that he was denied the nomination form at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.
Read Also: PDP State Chairmen back Damagun-led NWC
State chairmen applaud Ibadan court judgment
The state chairmen, in a communique signed by the Forum Chairman and Chairman of the Edo State chapter, Tony Aziegbemi, and Secretary, Edward Masha, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the unity, progress, and electoral success of the party.
They also pledged to work closely with the national leadership to strengthen internal democracy and rebuild public confidence in the PDP.
The communique reads: “The Forum unequivocally reaffirms its total support, confidence, and loyalty to the National Chairman of our great Party, Ambassador Umar Damagun, and the entire National Working Committee (NWC).
‘The Forum applauds the courageous and well-considered judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Akintola, which has paved the way for the conduct of the forthcoming National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The Forum urges all delegates, as duly recognized and provided for in the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), to begin preparations in earnest to participate in the convention and to elect credible, competent, and loyal men and women into the National Working Committee.
“The Forum commends the effective and collaborative leadership being provided by the National Working Committee under Ambassador Umar Damagun, the PDP Governors’ Forum under His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Board of Trustees (BOT) under His Excellency Senator Adolphus Wabara.
“The Forum notes that this synergy has contributed immensely to stabilizing and repositioning the Party.”
Court to rule on Lamido’s suit November 11
Justice Lifu chose Tuesday for ruling in the Lamido’s suit after his counsel and lawyers to the defendants made their final submissions both in favour and against the motion.
The court had, in a ruling on October 31 declined to grant a motion ex-parte filed by Lamido for an interim order stopping the convention, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed with it.
Instead, the court ordered that the defendants be put on notice for them to appear and show cause why the interim injunction sought by Lamido should not be granted.
Listed as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025. are the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At the resumption of proceedings Lamido’s lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), recalled that the court had ordered the defendants to show cause why his client’s request should not be granted.
The PDP’s lawyer, Omokayode Dada (SAN) and that of INEC, Adamu Bello, said they complied with the court order by separate affidavits as required, which they served on the plaintiff.
Dada faulted Lamido’s claim that he was denied the opportunity to purchase the nomination form.
He queried the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, saying that it is an internal affair of the party.
Dada urged the court to dismiss the suit.
In its affidavit, the PDP stated that the days fixed by the National Working Committee (NWC) for the purchase of nomination forms by aspirants for national elective positions in the convention expired before October 27 when Lamido visited the party’s national headquarters.
It said the national leadership had earlier approved the timetable and schedule of activity for the 2025 convention.
The party said the timetable and schedule of activities were between September 3 and 30, adding that all members are bound by its constitution, guidelines, notices and its decisions.
The PDP denied violating any of the provisions of the constitution,guidelines and the rights of any aspirant.
INEC, in the affidavit, said that a court of record should not dabble into a political question, which remains the exclusive preserve of political parties.
Njikonye urged the court to refuse the defendants’ prayer for the rejection of his client’s request.
He argued that INEC, which ought to be unbiased, could not be seen crying more than the bereaved.
The plaintiff’s lawyer added: “The second defendant (INEC) should be independent. It should be an umpire in conduct,” adding that commission could not afford to act like a political party.
He said it was within the powers of the court to make the proper orders in the case.
Earlier, the court granted the request by three PDP officers to be made parties in the case.
The party officers are Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman); Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman) and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, Southsouth geo-political zone).
Justice Lifu granted an order joining the three after their lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) moved a motion to that effect.
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His Lordship has spoken
By hardball (PIX)
A federal high court in Abuja lately highlighted an aspect of Nigerian law that people most concerned would prefer abides in permanent abeyance. The court sacked Abubakar Gummi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Cross-party defections by political actors is the in-thing currently in Nigerian pollical culture. But Justice Obiora Egwuatu, late last week, held that Gummi’s defection was unconstitutional since there was no division in the PDP at the time he left the party in 2024. The judge restrained House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas from further recognising the Zamfara lawmaker as a member of the green chamber. Among other things, he also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh election to fill the vacant seat within 30 days.
In a suit filed through their lawyer, Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, the PDP and its Zamfara chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, had asked the court to determine whether Gummi’s defection from the PDP – that sponsored his election – to the APC was lawful, and whether the House speaker’s failure to declare his seat vacant violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The referenced section states: “(1) A member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the house of which he is a member if – (g) being a person whose election to the house was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that house was elected; provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.”
Read Also: FEC approves $396m loans for northern IDPs, Sokoto health project
Gummi, in his defence, argued that his defection was warranted by “lingering unresolved internal and external crises” within the PDP at both national and constituency levels. He said the situation made it impossible for him to effectively represent his constituents and ensure equitable distribution of democracy dividends.
Justice Egwuatu, however, dismissed Gummi’s defence and criticised the growing trend of political defections, describing it as a betrayal of the electorate’s mandate. “In a situation where the electorate have made their choices between different political parties and their candidates based on the manifestos and marketability of such a political party, it is legally and morally wrong for a politician to abandon the party under whose platform he or she was elected into office and move to a rival party without relinquishing the mandate of his or her former party. If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorate. Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another party,” he ruled inter alia.
As His Lordship pleases…
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PDP faction’s protest at US Embassy shameful – Fayose
Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose has described Thursday’s protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja, by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as shameful.
Fayose said it is the last kick of a dead National Working Committee (NWC) of tax collectors.
He said rather than going to the US Embassy in Abuja to carry placards, “the suspended National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum and co-travellers should have traveled to Washington to go and protest in front of the White House”.
In a statement on Thursday, Fayose wondered how it has become the duty of the US and other European countries to help fix a political party in Nigeria.
Read Also: Gov Buni presents N515.6bn budget for 2026 to Yobe assembly
He asked if it was the fault of anyone that: “Damagum and his gang of political undertakers” refused to act in accordance with the constitution of the PDP.
“The court ruled last Friday that PDP must conclude some processes, including outstanding State Congress before holding any National Convention.
“Rather than coming back home to take proper stock and bring all stakeholders together; “they chose to announce the suspension of major members of the NWC, including the National Secretary, who’s the only person authorized to issue notice of meetings.
“Before then, they went to court to throw punches over legal representation of the party, despite that it is clearly stated in the constitution of the party that it is only the National Legal Adviser that has powers to represent or appoint lawyers to represent the party in court cases.
“So, how is the consequences of their impunity the business the US or anyone?”
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Court to rule November 11 on Lamido’s request to stop PDP convention
A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled ruling for November 11 on a motion by former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, seeking to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention.
Justice Peter Lifu chose the date on Thursday after lawyers to parties made their final submissions both in favour and against the motion.
The court had, in a ruling on October 31 declined to grant a motion ex-parte filed by Lamido for an interim order, stopping the convention pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed with it.
Instead, the court ordered that the defendants be put on notice for them to appear and show cause why the interim injunction, as sought by Lamido should not be granted.
Listed as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025. are the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At the resumption of proceedings on Thursday, Lamido’s lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN) recalled that the court had ordered the defendants to show cause why his client’s request should not be granted.
PDP’s lawyer, Omokayode Dada, (SAN) and that of INEC, Adamu Bello said they complied with the court order by separate affidavits as required, which they served on the plaintiff.
In his submission, Dada faulted Lamido’s claim that he was denied the opportunity to purchase PDP’s nomination form.
Dada queried the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case which, he claimed relates to the internal affairs of the party.
Read Also: PDP State Chairmen back Damagun-led NWC
He urged the court to dismiss the suit.
In its affidavit, the PDP stated that the days fixed by its National Working Committee (NWC) for the purchase of nomination form for all aspirants for national elective positions in the convention expired before October 27 when Lamido visited the party’s national headquarters.
It said the party’s leadership had earlier approved the timetable and schedule of activity for the year 2025 elective national convention.
The party said the timetable and schedule of activities were between September 3 and 30, adding that all its members are bound by it constitution, guidelines, notices and it decisions.
The PDP denied violating any of the provisions of the its constitution and guidelines as well as the rights of any aspirant.
Bello prayed the court to refuse Lamido’s prayers, noting that the reliefs sought against his client in the motion were the same as prayers in Lamido’s originating summons pending before the court.
He argued that granting the interim or interlocutory injunction sought would amount to prejudging the substantive issues in the suit.
Bello added that the plaintiff’s motion amounted to an invitation to the court to interfere in the domestic affairs of a political party.
INEC, in the affidavit, said that a court of record should not dabble into a political question which remains the exclusive preserve of political parties which should be allowed to do their things.
On his part, Njikonye urged the court to refuse the defendants’ prayer for the rejection of his client’s request.
He argued that INEC, which ought to be unbiased, could not be seen crying more than the bereaved.
The plaintiff’s lawyer added: “The second defendant (INEC) should be independent. It should be an umpire in conduct,” adding that INEC could not afford to act like a political party.
He said it was within the powers of the court to make the proper orders in the case.
Earlier, the court granted the request by three officials of the PDP to be made parties in the case.
Those who sought to be made part of the case are Hon Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman); Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman) and Hon Turnah George (said to be PDP Secretary, South-South geo-political zone).
Justice Lifu granted an order joining the three after their lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) moved a motion to that effect.
Daudu told the court, while moving the motion, informed the court that his clients were the plaintiffs in the suit in which another judge of the Abuja division of the court, Justice James Omotosho delivered a judgment on October 31, restraining INEC from recognising the PDP’s national convention planned for November 15 and 16.
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PDP State Chairmen back Damagun-led NWC
State Chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have dissociated themselves from the leadership of the Abdulrahaman Mohammed-led faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Rising from their meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairmen expressed unalloyed loyalty to the leadership of the Damagun-led executives while asking delegates to the party convention in Ibadan to begin preparing for the event.
In a communique at the end of their meeting signed by the Forum Chairman and Chairman of the party in Edo state, Tony Aziegbemi, and Forum secretary and Chairman of the party in Edo state, Edward Masha, the Chairmen reaffirm unwavering commitment to the unity, progress, and electoral success of the PDP across all levels.
They pledge to continue working closely with the National leadership to strengthen internal democracy and rebuild public confidence in the Party.
The communique reads: ‘The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened a crucial meeting today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, with twenty-nine (29) State Chairmen in attendance. After exhaustive deliberations on key issues affecting the Party, the Forum reached the following resolutions.
“The Forum unequivocally reaffirms its total support, confidence, and loyalty to the National Chairman of our great Party, Ambassador Umar Damagun, and the entire National Working Committee (NWC).
Read Also: Anyanwu camp appeals ex parte order allowing PDP convention
‘The Forum applauds the courageous and well-considered judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Akintola, which has paved the way for the conduct of the forthcoming National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The Forum urges all delegates, as duly recognized and provided for in the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), to begin preparations in earnest to participate in the convention and to elect credible, competent, and loyal men and women into the National Working Committee.
“The Forum commends the effective and collaborative leadership being provided by the National Working Committee under Ambassador Umar Damagun, the PDP Governors’ Forum under His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Board of Trustees (BOT) under His Excellency Senator Adolphus Wabara.
“The Forum notes that this synergy has contributed immensely to stabilizing and repositioning the Party.
“The Forum emphasises the critical importance of discipline within the Party and calls on all State Chapters not to hesitate in invoking the relevant provisions of the Party Constitution to discipline erring members whose conduct undermines unity, cohesion, and the collective interest of the PDP.
“The Forum reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the unity, progress, and electoral success of the PDP across all levels and pledges to continue working closely with the National leadership to strengthen internal democracy and rebuild public confidence in the Party.
“The forum in the same vein dissociates itself from the purported Abdurahman leadership and wants to categorically say that the PDP has only one National Chairman, His Excellency Umar Damagun
“It is to reaffirm this solidarity that our colleagues from North Central are with us here In support of all organs of PDP.”
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Anyanwu faction suspends PDP National Convention
The Senator Samuel Anyanwu-faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended the November 15 and 16 elective National Convention of the party indefinitely.
Acting National Chairman of the faction, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, said at a briefing that proceeding with the convention will be a violation of the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Mohammed said even though they are aware of an exparte order by an Ibadan High Court, it does invalidate the judgement since an exparte order cannot over ride a valid judgement.
According to him: “The National Leadership of the PDP, under my humble leadership as Acting National Chairman. Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, in collaboration with our National Secretary, Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu, hereby formally informs the Nigerian public that we have received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.
“Furthermore, we are pleased to confirm that our esteemed National Legal Adviser, Ajibade A. (SAN) has provided a thorough legal opinion on the implications of the judgment.
“In strict adherence to due process and our commitment to faimess, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, our members and Nigerian democracy.
“Consequently, having filed an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law and the PDP, we hereby suspend and cancel the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision pf the Court of Appeal. Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.
“The lndependent National Electoral Commission was a party to the suit and is fully aware of the judgement of the Federal High court. Nevertheless, we have dimmed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgement
“We are also aware of an ex parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State. While we await the Certrfied True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court. We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Read Also: Confusion continues in PDP as Damagun writes INEC on suspension of Anyanwu, others
“As a responsible, law-abiding, and democratic institution, the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and internal party democracy Our actions will continue to be guided by legal advice, by respect for our members, and by our duty to protect the integnty of our party.
“We assure our teeming supporters and the general public that every decision we take will be governed by wisdom, justice, legality, and the timeless values that have positioned the PDP as the strongest democratic institution on the African continent.
“In the coming days, the National Working Committee (NWC) will communicate further decisions and next steps in compliance with our party constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Let it be restated unequivocally: the PDP remains one united and indivisible family. We are strong. We are focused. We are committed to offering credible leadership, constructive opposition, and principled engagement in defence of Nigeria’s democracy, peace, unity, and prosperity”.
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Ibadan court okays PDP’s planned convention
• Damagum petitions INEC, IG over Anyanwu’s suspension, invasion of secretariat
A High Court in Oyo State has granted an order to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go ahead with its convention slated for November 15 and 16.
The ex-parte order was granted yesterday by Justice Ladiran Akintola. The judge fixed Monday for hearing of the motion on notice.
Yesterday’s order has deepened the controversy over the opposition party’s convention.
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a judgment over a matter filed by Chairmen of PDP in three states, voided the convention in addition to restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome, should convention hold.
The case before the Oyo State High Court was filed by a party chieftain, Folahan Malomo Adelabi, who sued as the claimant/applicant in suit number I/1336/2025.
Also yesterday, the Northcentral caucus disowned the factional chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Mohammed, supported by the Nyesom Wike/Samuel Anyanwu camp.
Factional National Chairman Iliya Damagum has written a letter to the INEC on the suspension of the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu and three other members of the NWC.
The national chairman also forwarded a petition to the Inspector General of Police and FCT Police Commissioner complaining that Anyanwu and Wike mobilised thugs to invade the party’s national secretariat and illegally aided Muhammed to occupy the office of chairman.
READ ALSO: Abba Kyari denies ownership of property linked to him
Adelabi’s application:
In the application before the Ibadan court, Adelabi is seeking for an order to compel the party to adhere to its guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities for the convention.
Defendants in the case are National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum (for himself and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (for himself and members of the National Convention Organising Committee), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Adelabi asked the court for an interim injunction “to restrain the defendants from “truncating, frustrating the guidelines, timetable and schedule of activity and/or disrupting, preventing and or stopping the conduct of the scheduled National Convention of the Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) fixed for the 15th and 16th November, 2025 at Ibadan to elect officers of the said party at national pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice”.
The applicant also sought an order directing PDP, Damagum and Fintiri to “adhere to and honour the provisions of the aforesaid guidelines, timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the National Convention, pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice”.
The court also directed the PDP leadership to adhere strictly to the guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities earlier released for the convention.
Also, the court ordered the party and its relevant committees to hold, conduct, and convene the elective national convention as planned, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The judge also directed INEC to attend, monitor, and observe the conduct of the convention in line with the Electoral Act.
Justice Akintola, who said the claimant had established a case warranting urgent judicial intervention, commended his transparency by filing a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction alongside the ex-parte application.
The certified true copy of the enrolment of order was signed by the Principal Registrar of the Oyo State High Court, Mrs. S. O. Hammed, and issued at Ibadan under the seal of the court on November 3.
Damagum writes INEC over Anyanwu’s suspension
Damagum, has written to the electoral commission on Anyanwu’s suspension by the NWC.
Apart from the National Secretary, those also listed as suspended officers in the letter of November 1, are the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and his deputy, Okechukwu Osuoha.
Signatories to the letter titled: ‘Resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 608th Emergency Meeting held today, Saturday Ist November, 2025,’ are Damagum, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja (Deputy National Chairman -South), Setonji Koshoedo (Deputy National Secretary), Yayari Ahmed (National Treasurer) and Dr. Woyengikuro Ambrose Daniel (National Financial Secretary).
It reads: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) at its 608th emergency meeting today, Saturday, 1st November, 2025, considered the continued anti-party activities of some National Officers despite the formal reprimand issued by the party.
“The NWC, pursuant to the provisions of Section 57(3), 58 (1)(a)(b)(c) and (h)and 59(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) (As Amended in 2017) suspends the following National Officers from the Party-Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Hon. Umar Bature (National Organizing Secretary), Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser) and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy National Legal Adviser).
“The above-name National Officers are consequently suspended for a period
of one month and referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action. During the period of the suspension, the affected officers cease to function in their respective capacities.
“Pursuant to Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution, the Deputy National
Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo shall forthwith act as the National Secretary while the National Director of Legal Services and National Director of Organization are hereby directed to oversee the activities of their respective Directorate.”
Ex-officio members back suspension
The Chairman and Secretary of PDP National Ex-Officio Forum, Clement Faboyede and Mrs. Hassan Comfort, who supported the suspension, condemned the “invasion “ of the party secretariat by Muhammad.
They said in a statement: “What transpired at Wadata Plaza was not just an attack on individuals, but an attempt to desecrate the sanctity of an institution built on decades of sacrifice, vision, and democratic commitment. “Those behind this inglorious plot have only succeeded in exposing their disdain for order and their contempt for the collective will of millions of PDP faithful nationwide.”
They commended Justice Akintola’s ruling affirming the legality of the proposed National Convention, describing the judgment as a triumph of justice over impunity, and a resounding victory for democracy, due process, and institutional integrity.
They said: “Justice Akintola’s verdict rekindles faith in the Nigerian judiciary as the true custodian of democratic stability and fairness. In moments when democracy is under siege by internal saboteurs, it is men of conscience like Justice Akintola, who remind us that the rule of law remains the last fortress of the people’s will.”
We support new acting chairman, say party youths
However, the PDP Youth Leaders Forum threw their weight behind the Wike/Anyanwu faction and pledged loyalty to the acting chairman.
The Chairman of the forum and Gombe State Youth Leader said leaders of the party should close ranks, sit down and resolve all matters threatening the platform.
He said: “We are happy to have this kind of person, most of all as a youth. We are giving him all our support to make sure he stabilizes the party, bring all the warring factions to the table and create a good working environment for the party to thrive.
“We are begging all our major stakeholders, all our leaders, to give the new Chairman the needed support. We beg that they should sheath their swords. Our interest should be first. Nigerians are waiting for us, and we ask everybody to support the new Chairman.”
The Secretary and Youth Leader of PDP in Cross River, Comrade Brian Odion, also urged the warring leaders to work for peace
Northcentral PDP reject acting chairman
The Northcentral PDP rejected the appointment of the acting chairman, saying that his emergence is not a product of consultation.
A communique read by the Zonal Secretary, Francis Orogu, at the end of its meeting in Abuja, pledged the loyalty of the zone to Damagum and the NWC.
It reads: “The PDP North Central Zonal Working/Executive Committee met today to review and monitor recent developments within our great party since last Friday 31st October, 2025 when it was engulfed in yet another avoidable political crisis. This crisis was triggered by the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.”
Chairman petitions IG, Police Commissioner
Damagun, in a petition dated November 3, 2025 accused the FCT Commissioner of Police of providing police cover for Anyanwu and his group to invade and threaten the peace of the secretariat.
He also said that the invasion enjoyed Wike’s support.
The three letter reads: “This is to formally report to the Inspector General of Police the forceful takeover, threat to life, assault of staff and disruption of peaceful conduct of party affairs by the suspended National Sectary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu with the assistance of the suspended Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, the National Vice Chairman (North Central) Mohammed Abdulrahman with the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Fayose flays Ibadan court order
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose dismissed the Ibadan court order on the convention, describing it as “Ibadan judicial and political hand-to-mouth-judge.”
He said: “The judge only granted an ineffective order that is dead on arrival. It is an order no one, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can obey.”
Fayose said the most unintelligent human being in Nigeria would know that a State High Court cannot act as an Appellate Court over the Federal High Court.
He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to as a matter of urgency sanction Justice Akintola, who gave the exparte order, despite being aware of the October 31, 2025 judgment of Justice James Omotosho on the same matter.