The Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed its earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the subsisting order remains valid and must not be violated by any party pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The judge warned that any action capable of undermining the authority of the court or rendering its eventual judgment ineffective would attract consequential sanctions.
Judge Warns Against Contempt, Promises Swift Judgment
The warning followed a complaint raised by the PDP’s counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who informed the court that the party was constrained by the existing order and urged for an expedited hearing of the matter.
In response, Justice Omotosho assured all parties that judgment would be delivered before the end of October, emphasizing that no side would be permitted to engage in delay tactics.
“You and I, as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, know that once a suit has been filed and parties have been served, the law is that no further step should be taken concerning the subject matter. The court must not be overreached,” the judge cautioned.
“Where any party violates this principle, the court has the power to issue consequential orders nullifying such acts. Let us all respect the law—it is in our collective interest. I assure you that judgment will be delivered before the end of October, and copies will be made available immediately.”
Hearing Fixed for October 20
The court has fixed Monday, October 20, for the definite hearing of the originating summons filed by three aggrieved PDP members against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and eight others.
The plaintiffs — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — are seeking to stop the planned convention, where new national officers are expected to be elected.
Those listed as defendants include INEC, the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
At the last sitting, Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi were joined as the 7th to 9th defendants following a successful application for joinder.
Plaintiffs Challenge PDP’s Internal Processes
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration compelling the PDP to adhere strictly to democratic principles in conducting its congresses, conventions, and internal elections.
They allege that the party failed to hold the required congresses to elect delegates for the national convention, thereby rendering any notice issued to INEC invalid.
The plaintiffs are also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising or validating any outcome of the convention unless it is conducted in compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 Guidelines for Political Parties.
Additionally, they want the court to restrain PDP officials from holding any National Executive Committee, National Caucus, or Working Committee meetings without due notice from the National Secretary.
Court Orders Exchange of Processes
Justice Omotosho directed all parties to exchange their legal processes by October 17 to ensure a smooth hearing when the matter resumes.
During Thursday’s proceedings, the PDP was represented by Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN). The judge, however, instructed both lawyers to file formal papers to enable the court to determine the party’s proper legal representative in the suit.
Background
The PDP has faced prolonged internal wrangling over leadership and convention planning following disputes between factions aligned with different regional blocs.
Analysts warn that the ongoing legal battle could delay the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections if not resolved swiftly.
![[BREAKING NEWS]:Nigerians In Trouble As Leaked Documents Reveals Tinubu’s Agreement with Controversial Business Tycoon](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39gfKFg8aZ2Pq_eoxzYPY7vQoQB4vJQ5iXjbzlb028e9rhOqJn7LU834VyPOGJO6KMqyY25tdbE8_AbZYrvJ2A-MPe77GnAXXTxKlCpcHy3Xmrpk5voaOwmC_bUYUoWrh8i8Vya7_odsgKRhByqzF7mVi_H-AQTn3iV_Yo1GkZhLibfcuztuBuz3XE4xS/w680/IMG_9371.jpeg)
