The national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commenced on Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State, even as legal disputes surrounding the exercise continue to generate tension within the party.
Despite the significance of the event, some key figures were noticeably absent when proceedings began. Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State were yet to arrive at the venue, raising questions among delegates and observers about the political undercurrents surrounding their absence.
The convention, however, witnessed a strong turnout from other influential party leaders. Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) were present early at the event, lending political weight to the convention’s opening session.
Also in attendance were the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Gombe State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo; Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara; and party elder statesman, Chief Bode George.
The convention, expected to address key party leadership issues and chart a roadmap ahead of the 2027 general elections, has been trailed by litigation from aggrieved members who claim the process is fraught with irregularities. Party officials, however, maintain that the exercise will proceed as planned, insisting that due process has been followed.
As the event progresses, attention remains fixed on whether the absent governors will join the convention and what their presence—or silence—may signal for the internal dynamics of the opposition party.
