Court adjourns PDP Convention suit amid dispute over Party’s legal representation

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing in the suit seeking to stop the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until Thursday, following a dispute over who is authorised to represent the party in court.

Justice James Omotosho gave the ruling on Tuesday after a heated exchange between two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Chris Uche and Kamaldeen Ajibade, both claiming to be representing the PDP.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by the PDP Imo State Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu; the PDP Abia State Chairman, Amah Nnanna; and the PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George. The plaintiffs listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) as defendants.

They are asking the court to restrain the defendants from proceeding with the PDP’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and to stop INEC from monitoring the exercise pending the determination of the case. They also requested an order stopping all meetings, including those of the NEC, National Caucus, and NWC, slated for October 15, 2025.

The plaintiffs, who described themselves as registered members and current officeholders of the PDP, said they planned to contest positions at the upcoming convention but had been sidelined through what they termed “illegal and unconstitutional actions.” They argued that the planned convention violates the PDP Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s guidelines for political parties.

However, Tuesday’s proceedings were disrupted by a disagreement between Uche and Ajibade over the party’s legal representation. Uche claimed he was instructed by PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to appear for the party and presented a letter to that effect. Ajibade, however, countered, saying that as the party’s National Legal Adviser, he alone is empowered to brief external counsel.

Justice Omotosho briefly recessed the session to allow both lawyers to resolve the disagreement, but when proceedings resumed, Uche informed the court that no resolution had been reached. Ajibade alleged that he was even threatened outside the courtroom during the recess.

Following the standoff, Uche requested a short adjournment to allow the National Chairman, who was in court, to reconcile with the National Legal Adviser.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the matter if the issue remained unresolved, but the judge opted to give the party a chance to settle the internal dispute.

“We will give the party an opportunity to resolve its internal issues,” Justice Omotosho said. “If they do not, I will not entertain any further delays. Politicians are funny; judicial processes should not be made nugatory.”

The court also heard two separate motions for joinder — one by Paul Erokoro (SAN) representing PDP National Chairman Damagum, and another by Audu Anuga (SAN) on behalf of Chief Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi. Both argued that their clients were necessary parties whose interests would be affected by the case.

Despite opposition from Daudu, Justice Omotosho granted both applications and ordered that Damagum, Odefa, and Ogidi be joined as the 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants respectively.

He then adjourned the case to Thursday, October 16, 2025, for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications, directing all parties to file their responses within 24 hours.

“The court will await the resolution of the PDP’s internal issue regarding legal representation,” the judge said. “This matter is hereby adjourned to October 16 for hearing of the substantive suit and all applications.”