Okay News reports that the Oyo State High Court has granted approval to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, to proceed with its elective National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, southwest Nigeria.
In its ruling on Tuesday, the court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the country’s election management body, to attend and monitor the two-day convention to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
The court’s decision comes amid ongoing internal disputes within the PDP over leadership positions and zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party officials had previously hinted that the convention would be used to “restructure and reposition” the opposition party after recent losses in several states.
According to reports, the court’s approval effectively removes earlier legal uncertainties that had threatened to delay or derail the exercise.
Political observers in Abuja say the development is crucial for the PDP’s efforts to reassert itself as a formidable opposition party capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next national polls.
INEC’s attendance and monitoring role, as directed by the court, are expected to lend transparency and credibility to the convention process, which will produce new members of the National Working Committee.
Party insiders revealed that several key positions, including National Chairman, Secretary, and Publicity roles, will be keenly contested as the PDP seeks to balance regional representation and internal unity.
The ruling was confirmed by local media reports monitored on Channels Television on Tuesday.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has faced leadership challenges in recent years, with factions emerging across several geopolitical zones. The court’s clearance is therefore viewed as a major relief and an opportunity to rebuild party cohesion.
