Before the convention, the National Working Committee, led by Umar Damagum, suspended three top officials, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, for alleged anti-party activities.

A court in Abuja first stopped the convention, saying the party didn’t follow its own rules when it failed to get the proper officials to sign the notice sent to INEC. The judge also ordered INEC not to monitor the event.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja first stopped the convention, saying the party failed to follow its own rules when the proper officials didn’t sign the notice sent to INEC. He also barred INEC from monitoring the event.

Justice Ladiran Akintola in Ibadan later granted an order allowing the PDP to go ahead. Then Justice Peter Lifu suspended the convention again after former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido complained he couldn’t get a nomination form to contest for National Chairman. Justice Akintola later extended his order permitting the event to proceed.

Meanwhile, the Lekan Salami Stadium, where the convention will hold, has been decorated, and over 3,000 delegates from across the country are expected. Party leaders, stakeholders, diplomats, and international observers are also expected to attend. The event will be broadcast in English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.

Read Also:Again, Court Restrains PDP From Holding National Convention

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged the party to postpone the convention, warning that holding it now would deepen the crisis.

After meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees Reconciliation Team, he said the numerous political and legal battles, including conflicting court orders, have made the convention’s legality uncertain. He called for dialogue instead of court fights.

Source: Punch