The Peoples Democratic Party held its National Elective Convention in Ibadan on November 15, 2025, ignoring multiple court rulings aimed at stopping the event. Thousands of delegates gathered at the Adamasingba Stadium, where leaders expressed confidence in the process amid legal challenges. The convention marked a key moment for the party's repositioning.
On November 15, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted its National Elective Convention at the 10,000-capacity Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite an Abuja High Court ruling obtained by former Adamawa governor Sule Lamido and other subsisting orders seeking to halt it. The venue and surrounding areas filled with over 3,000 delegates from Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, along with officials and supporters who began arriving on Friday.
The event opened with a flag presentation ceremony. PDP National Chairman Ambassador Ilya Damagum received the party flag, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri—the Convention Committee Chairman—took the convention flag, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed got the Nigerian flag, host Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received the Oyo State flag, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro the Senate flag, and House Representative Hon. Fred Agbedi the House flag. The previous evening, Makinde hosted a dinner for PDP governors, former governors, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and National Working Committee members.
Party leaders dismissed the legal hurdles. National Vice Chairman (South South) Emma Ogini stated, “Look at the delegates and the crowd—they came voluntarily. We will appeal the judgments. This party is an Iroko tree; no amount of scheming from the APC or federal might can uproot it,” alleging President Bola Tinubu's involvement in the crisis. Former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George criticized Lamido, saying the convention would stand “regardless of the antics of the party’s undertakers.”
Fintiri, in opening remarks, rejected “deliberate obstacles” and assured the validity of resolutions. Damagum, declaring the convention open at 4:06 p.m., urged calm and commitment to revival, praising organizers including Makinde and state governors. Makinde welcomed attendees, noting, “It has been a long stretch of battles to get to this point. This exercise will be the convention that brings about the turnaround of the PDP nationally.” Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, speaking for the PDP Governors’ Forum, emphasized unity: “We are here today as a united front to move this party forward. I therefore enjoin all who are present to cooperate with us so that we can safeguard the future of this party.”
Governors present included Makinde, Fintiri, Mohammed, Plateau's Caleb Mutfwang, Lawal, and Osun's deputy representing Governor Ademola Adeleke. The Board of Trustees voiced confidence in the exercise's legality.