Faction-fight ends Nigerian opposition convention

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) – Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been forced to postpone its national convention after security forces sealed off the event venue following a court ruling.

Wednesday’s meeting had been set for Port Harcourt, the capital of the PDP- controlled, oil-rich Rivers State but internal squabbling has produced contradictory court rulings both approving and prohibiting the gathering.

“The convention was adjourned to a later date,” the party said in a statement after thousands of delegates and officials converged at another venue.

Wednesday’s blocked convention has its roots in a bitter leadership tussle within the PDP. The party has been in crisis since losing Nigeria’s presidency in the 2015 elections, ending an unbroken 16 years at the helm of Africa's largest democracy.

The schism has led to at least two major factions jockeying for power, both led by former governors; Ali Modu-Sheriff and Ahmed Makarfi.

Both the Modu-Sheriff and Makarfi factions have claimed ownership of the party, leading to contradictory court rulings and intrigues.

Today’s abortive convention had been organized by the Makarfi’s faction, largely supported by powerful governors of the party. But the Modu-Sheriff faction on Tuesday secured a High Court ruling to declare the convention unlawful.

However, on Monday another court in Port Harcourt had directed that the convention should proceed as planned.

The electoral commission said late on Tuesday the conflicting court rulings had left it confused. Police said they sealed the venue of the scheduled event to maintain the law and order.