OYIGG Alleges Governor Adeleke Boycotting PDP Convention in Ibadan, Travels Abroad

The Osun Youth Initiative for Good Governance (OYIGG) has accused Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of deliberately boycotting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

OYIGG Alleged that Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, traveled abroad on Friday to avoid participating in what they describe as an illegal convention.

In a statement on Saturday signed by Convener, OYIGG, Dr. Adeyemi Akande.

This action follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Friday, which ordered the suspension of the PDP national convention. The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognizing any PDP convention that excludes former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido as a contestant.

Justice Lifu held that Lamido was unjustly denied the chance to obtain a nomination form to contest for the PDP National Chairman position, violating party rules and constitution. The court emphasized PDP’s obligation to allow all members fair opportunities to pursue their political ambitions.

As a result, the court ordered the PDP to put the convention on hold so Lamido could obtain nomination forms, campaign, and mobilize support.

The ruling stated: “Before any convention is held, the PDP must make nomination forms available to the plaintiff. Therefore, the convention is hereby suspended to allow the plaintiff to campaign and mobilize support.”

Additionally, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has urged the PDP to halt the convention in light of the ongoing legal dispute, warning that proceeding could deepen the party’s crisis.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke, reportedly rejected by APC leaders in Osun, has been seen seeking political platforms for re-election. He departed Nigeria around 4:15 pm on Friday to an undisclosed destination abroad.