In a sharp critique of the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the exercise as politically frivolous.
In a post shared on his X handle on Saturday, Olayinka described the event as “Dirty December in November,” suggesting that the gathering was more of a social gathering than a serious political convention.
“They went to Ibadan to start Dirty December in November. When people decide to start their own Dirty December in November, one can’t help but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths,” Olayinka wrote.
The remark comes on the heels of reports that the PDP convention delegates had moved to expel Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, PDP National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, and the party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
Other senior party officials reportedly listed for expulsion include the PDP National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature; former Deputy National Chairman, South-South, Dan Orbih; South-South Zonal Secretary, George Turner; North Central Vice Chairman and factional Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed; Imo State Chairman Austin Nwachukwu; former presidential aspirant and factional Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and Abia PDP Chairman, Abraham Ammah.
PDP Convention: Delegates Gather Amid Court Orders
The PDP convention, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, has drawn over 3,000 delegates from across the country.
Despite court injunctions attempting to halt the exercise, the convention has proceeded, reflecting the determination of some party factions to continue with the event.
Olayinka accused the delegates of treating the convention as a social party, alleging that the participants were intoxicated and making baseless proclamations.
“They gathered in Ibadan to do a social party, enjoyed themselves, and got intoxicated; they are free to say anything,” he added.
This comment highlights the growing tensions within the PDP, particularly between the Wike-aligned faction and delegates supporting other party leaders at the Ibadan event.
Reactions from Party Insiders
Sources at the venue confirmed that the expulsion decision had been ratified by a majority of delegates, though critics argue that the process lacks legitimacy given ongoing court injunctions.
Delegates attending the convention insisted that the expulsions were necessary to restore discipline and unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, Olayinka has maintained that Wike and his allies remain committed to the party’s long-term vision, dismissing the expulsions as politically motivated and unlikely to affect their influence within PDP structures.
Political analysts suggest that the ongoing PDP convention in Ibadan represents a microcosm of the party’s internal divisions, particularly between its southern and northern blocs.
The clash over expulsions and procedural legitimacy could have lasting implications for PDP’s cohesion and electoral strategy.
Security and Logistics at the Convention
The PDP convention has been marked by tight security, with police and other security agencies ensuring controlled access to the venue.
Delegates, party leaders, and media personnel have been subject to checks, and several entry points to the stadium have been restricted to prevent disturbances.
Observers noted that the sheer scale of the convention, with thousands of delegates in attendance, underscores the party’s determination to assert its relevance despite internal conflicts and legal challenges.
Implications for PDP’s National Agenda
As the convention proceeds, attention is focused on whether the Wike-aligned faction will mount a legal challenge or counter-protests, and how the leadership changes and expulsions will affect PDP’s electoral positioning.
Analysts predict that the PDP convention outcome could shape the party’s trajectory ahead of the next general elections, influencing decisions on candidate zoning, internal governance, and national coordination.
Olayinka’s commentary, branding the event as “Dirty December in November,” reflects the high-stakes political maneuvering within the party and signals potential tensions as stakeholders attempt to consolidate influence across state and national structures.
Despite the theatrics, the PDP convention in Ibadan continues to unfold, with delegates expected to conclude voting, ratify leadership positions, and adopt resolutions over the weekend.
