The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing fresh turmoil as several top figures have pulled out of the party’s National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan.

The planned gathering, which was expected to mark a major turning point for the opposition party ahead of 2027, has now been overshadowed by court battles, internal resistance, and high-profile boycotts.

Among the notable absentees are Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido.

Their absence has added more tension to an already fragile situation within the party. The development comes at a period when the PDP had hoped to project unity and strength.

The crisis deepened after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the convention until Sule Lamido is permitted to purchase a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.

The court also restrained INEC from monitoring or recognising any convention held without Lamido’s inclusion.

However, a separate ruling from an Oyo State High Court gave the party the go-ahead to proceed, even directing INEC to monitor the activities in Ibadan.

The conflicting orders have left party members confused and worried about the legality of any decision taken at the convention.

Despite this, preparations continued at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where the venue was already decorated in the PDP’s colours.

Delegates from different states arrived in buses, checking into hotels across Ibadan as organisers made last-minute arrangements. Drums, songs, and dancing filled the stadium on Thursday night as party supporters tried to maintain a positive atmosphere.

Yet, the absence of major stakeholders has cast a shadow on the event. Some party insiders fear that whatever emerges from the meeting may later be challenged or overturned in higher courts.

The Rivers State chapter of the PDP has already distanced itself from the exercise, citing the “leadership crisis at the national level” and “various litigations” tearing the party apart.

They also pointed to the lack of communication between the national leadership and Governor Fubara, saying it has left the state chapter “incommunicado.”

While delegates from across the South-West, South-South, North-West, and North-Central have already settled in Ibadan, the mood within the party remains uncertain.

Many believe the convention may end up deepening rather than resolving the internal fractures.