Despite conflicting court rulings over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned national convention, delegates and key party leaders have continued to arrive in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of the event scheduled for Saturday.

The PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed on Thursday that the party had already secured the presence of delegates from at least two-thirds of the 36 states, meeting the constitutional requirement for a valid convention.

“As of Wednesday afternoon, delegates had already begun arriving. We have secured two-thirds of the attendance of states, apart from one or two that we are doubting. Even if you don’t have all 36 states, you are still good to go with two-thirds,” Ajisafe told Punch.

Two party members from the Federal Capital Territory also confirmed arriving in Ibadan around midday on Wednesday.

Amid a series of contradictory court orders from Abuja and Ibadan on the legality of the November 15 and 16 convention, Ajisafe insisted that only a superior court ruling could determine its fate.

“From the legal point of view, when there are conflicting judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, the judgment is not binding on either party. It becomes persuasive. And it’s only a superior court that can give direction,” he explained.

Ajisafe dismissed concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might abstain from the event, stating that the party had complied with all requirements under the Electoral Act 2022, including issuing the statutory 21-day notice.

“INEC will be there because we have met the stipulated rules and regulations. We even held a National Executive Committee meeting afterwards. So, we are good to go,” he said.

He added that security agencies were likely to be present to maintain order, given their responsibility to safeguard lives and ensure peaceful political activities.

Reacting to former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s suggestion that a caretaker committee be set up to address ongoing internal disputes, Ajisafe warned that such a move could further destabilise the party.

“Rather, the convention should give a direction on whether having a caretaker committee will be the way to go,” he said.