The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) proceeded with its much-debated national convention in Ibadan on Saturday, despite unresolved court orders and internal disputes that have trailed the event for weeks. However, the absence of three sitting governors cast an early shadow over the gathering.
Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Agbu Kefas (Taraba) were noticeably missing as proceedings kicked off at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba. Their absence has deepened speculation about widening cracks within the party’s leadership structure.
Strong Turnout From Other Power Centres
In contrast, several influential PDP figures made a strong appearance, signalling their commitment to sustaining the convention despite factional pushback. Present were:
Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo) – Host governor
Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) – Convention Chairman
Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) – Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum
Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)
Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
Umar Damagum – Acting National Chairman
Also seen were senior party veterans including Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ibrahim Dankwambo, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and party stalwart Bode George.
Symbolic Flag Handover Despite Legal Uncertainty
In a show of defiance against the legal controversies clouding the event, party leaders performed the traditional handing-over of flags:
Umar Damagum received the PDP flag
Fintiri received the National Convention flag
Bala Mohammed was handed the Nigerian flag
Makinde received the Oyo State flag
Abba Moro and Fred Agbedi received their respective legislative flags
The ceremony underscored the leadership’s resolve to proceed with the event regardless of pending judgments.
Accreditation Continues for Over 3,000 Delegates
Accreditation for more than 3,000 delegates from the 36 states and the FCT began earlier in the afternoon as thousands of party members filled Ibadan, which has witnessed intense political activities since Friday.
Convention Proceeds Under Heavy Litigation
The major controversy lies in conflicting legal positions:
A Federal High Court order by Justice Peter Lifu restrained the party from holding the convention in Oyo State.
A separate suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi is also seeking to halt the exercise, with the Oyo State High Court yet to rule on jurisdictional objections.
These legal battles reflect deepening divisions between factions led by Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammed, with the latter announcing a cancellation of the convention based on the Abuja ruling.
Nevertheless, the PDP Board of Trustees, chaired by Senator Wabara, insisted the convention must proceed — a stance now playing out in real time at Adamasingba.
Security Tight as Wike’s Camp Holds Out
A heavy combined security presence was deployed around the venue amid tensions linked to loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who have been vocal about unresolved congress-related grievances.
What the Absence of Fubara, Adeleke, and Kefas Signals
The no-show by the three governors is fueling speculation on whether:
they are quietly aligning with the faction opposed to the convention,they are registering discontent with ongoing legal disputes,or they intend to challenge the legality of any outcome emerging from the exercise.
Their absence creates a power vacuum that may influence post-convention political alignments.
