The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has opened its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, with top governors and key stakeholders arriving at the Adamasingba Stadium despite recent legal attempts to stop the event.
Proceedings began at about 3:45 p.m., with acting National Chairman Umar Damagum delivering the opening remarks to formally declare the gathering underway.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde led the early arrivals, followed by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, and Damagum himself.
Other prominent figures at the venue include Ogun governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu, Senator Natasha Akpoti of Kogi Central, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, and former minister Kabiru Turaki, who is the consensus candidate for national chairman.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas had yet to arrive as at the time of filing this report.
The Ibadan convention is being held to elect new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) as the opposition party pushes toward internal restructuring.
The event comes on the heels of conflicting court judgments issued by different party factions seeking either to halt or validate the convention.
In August, the PDP National Executive Committee zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, meaning the national chairman is expected—by convention—to emerge from the North.
Security presence at the venue remains tight as delegates and observers continue to troop into the stadium.
