Oyo Court Affirms Order Allowing PDP Convention

Full Coverage Report: Oyo Court Affirms Order Allowing PDP Convention

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has reaffirmed its earlier ruling that permits the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hold its National Convention in Ibadan as scheduled.

The judgment, delivered on November 14, 2025, extended the existing order and ensured that the convention could proceed without interference.

The case was brought before the court after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by counsel O. Adeyemi, challenged the jurisdiction of the Oyo State High Court.

Adeyemi argued that INEC, being a federal agency, could only be subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He further contended that a Federal High Court order restraining the PDP from holding the convention was binding and exclusive, thereby stripping the Oyo High Court of the authority to entertain the matter.

In response, the Claimant/Applicant’s lead counsel, Mr. Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, rejected this argument. He maintained that the defense’s position infringed upon the fundamental rights of the Claimant/Applicant, stressing that the Oyo High Court had the responsibility to protect those rights. The court agreed with this reasoning and extended its order, effectively clearing the way for the PDP convention to take place.

The ruling carries significant political weight. For the PDP, it represents a crucial legal victory that allows the party to continue with its internal organizational processes and leadership decisions. The convention is a pivotal event in the party’s calendar, shaping its strategies and future direction.

For INEC, however, the judgment raises questions about jurisdictional boundaries and the enforcement of federal court orders, highlighting the ongoing tension between state and federal judicial interpretations in Nigeria.

Beyond the immediate political implications, the decision underscores the judiciary’s role in balancing procedural technicalities with the protection of political rights. It demonstrates how courts can act as arbiters in disputes that touch on both constitutional principles and the practical realities of political organization.

The affirmation of the order not only secures the PDP’s ability to hold its convention but also sets a precedent for how similar jurisdictional disputes may be resolved in the future.