The Osun Youth Initiative for Good Governance (OYIGG) has accused Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of intentionally avoiding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan by traveling out of the country shortly after a court suspended the exercise.
In a statement signed by its convener, Dr. Adeyemi Akande, OYIGG alleged that Governor Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, “deliberately traveled abroad on Friday” to evade participation in what the group described as an illegal convention.
The accusation came just hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a final order stopping the PDP from holding the national convention. Justice Peter Odo Lifu restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognizing any convention that excludes former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido from contesting.
The court held that Lamido was unfairly prevented from obtaining a nomination form for the National Chairman position, contrary to the party’s constitution and guidelines. Justice Lifu ruled that all members must be given equal opportunity to pursue their political aspirations.
He ordered the PDP to suspend preparations for the convention until Lamido is allowed to purchase forms, campaign, and mobilise support.
According to the ruling:
“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.”
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In a related development, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki also urged the PDP to halt the convention in view of the court’s decision, warning that proceeding could further plunge the opposition party into crisis.
Meanwhile, OYIGG claims Governor Adeleke—allegedly rebuffed by APC leaders in Osun while seeking alternative political platforms—left Nigeria around 4:15 p.m. on Friday for an undisclosed destination abroad.
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