PDP Crises: Ibadan Convention Fully Legitimate — Ben Obi Warns Tinubu to ‘Draw the Line’
By Yahaya Zakka
Senator Ben Obi, Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Convention Organizing Committee, has affirmed the legitimacy of the contentious Ibadan convention, stating that the event was “properly and duly constituted.” He also cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “draw the line” amidst escalating tensions within the opposition party.
In an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Obi attributed the confrontation at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja—where police used tear gas to disperse conflicting factions—to “minority elements” refusing to accept decisions made by the party’s highest governing body.
He explained, “The outgoing National Working Committee was an 18-member body. The chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, was accompanied by 13 members, exceeding the initially planned four. Fourteen against four.”
Obi emphasized that, contrary to some claims, the Ibadan convention fully complied with all legal and procedural standards. “The convention was properly and duly organized. INEC was properly notified, as were the Nigerian Police and the DSS. The police and DSS participated actively. The requirement is to give INEC a 21-day notice—and we did. Therefore, the convention’s organization is legitimate and proper,” he asserted.
He highlighted that the party had little choice but to take decisive action after years of internal indiscipline. “Nigerians are concerned about the disorder within PDP. What occurred in Ibadan from Saturday into Sunday morning should have happened over a year and a half ago,” Obi stated.
Expressing concern about the wider political implications of the crisis, Obi accused certain actors, especially within the government, of fueling tensions. “You have a federal minister who, just last week, had issues with the military. Now, similar incidents have occurred again. We must be cautious. I am very familiar with President Tinubu, and I worry about Nigeria’s stability if he does not respond appropriately,” he said.
He warned that Nigeria’s stability could be at risk if action is not taken. “If there is fire on the mountain and the fire keeps spreading, yet the Commander-in-Chief remains silent, then something is wrong. There comes a time when you must draw the line and say Enough is enough,” Obi cautioned.
Obi reaffirmed that the delegates’ unanimous approval of the convention process rendered its outcome final. “At the Ibadan convention, despite court rulings, I moved a motion asking delegates whether we should proceed with the elective convention. It was seconded and unanimously adopted by all 3,131 delegates. The convention is the highest authority within the party. Once a decision is made there, it is definitive,” he explained.
He dismissed claims by the Turaki-led faction asserting that it holds legitimate authority. “There must be a limit. We cannot continue like this. These individuals have been expelled by the commission, yet they show up at National Executive Committee meetings—who is actually convening those?” he questioned.
Obi also charged some PDP members with dual loyalties. “As it stands, the PDP does not have an agreement of cohabitation with the APC. However, there is a member supposed to be a PDP affiliate serving as a minister in the APC. Nigerians are aware of this,” he said.
He stressed that as long as the current leadership remains “firm and consistent,” Nigerians will recognize “the true leaders of the PDP.” Despite internal challenges, Obi affirmed the party’s resilience. “Membership of the PDP remains strong. Governors may leave, but members stay committed. The party belongs to the people. This leadership will restore the party to the people,” he declared.
When asked whether the PDP might emerge stronger or collapse under internal contradictions, Obi responded that only time will tell, but emphasized that the party’s foundation remains solid. “Travel to any part of the country—you will find a PDP office. Since 1999, it has been the only party that has not changed its name. The vision of our founding fathers still endures,” he concluded.
