Wike-Backed PDP Caretaker Committee Rejects Oyo Court Ruling on Ibadan Convention

The National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the Oyo State High Court’s recognition of the party’s Ibadan convention as a “mere academic exercise.”

In a statement, the committee’s national publicity secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, argued that the ruling is unenforceable because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not joined as a party. He added that INEC has already acted on a Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan affirming the National Caretaker Committee as the party’s legitimate leadership.

“The judgment reportedly delivered by the Oyo State High Court is inconsequential and best described as an academic exercise,” the statement said. It further noted that the court had previously granted permission for the so-called “Amala Convention” held on 15–16 November 2025, despite existing Federal High Court rulings.

Mohammed emphasized that because INEC was neither represented nor bound by the Oyo Court’s decision, the ruling has no impact on the recognition or conduct of party conventions. He added that INEC has complied with Federal High Court orders in Abuja and Ibadan, which restrained individuals involved in the Ibadan convention from acting as party leaders.

The statement concluded by assuring party members that preparations for congresses and the National Convention are well advanced, with the PDP committed to legality, due process, and internal democracy.