Samuel Omang
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned hearing in the suit seeking to stop the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Thursday, October 16, 2025, to allow parties resolve a dispute over the party’s legal representation.
Justice James Omotosho gave the ruling after a heated disagreement between two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chris Uche and Kamaldeen Ajibade, who both claimed to represent the PDP in the matter.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by the PDP chairmen of Imo and Abia States, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna, alongside the party’s South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George.
The plaintiffs are seeking an order restraining the defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, and some of its top national officers, from proceeding with the convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending the determination of their substantive suit.
They are also asking the court to stop the party from holding any meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, or National Working Committee (NWC) until their application for an interlocutory injunction is determined.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Chris Uche (SAN) told the court that he had been instructed by the PDP National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, to represent the party, citing a formal letter of engagement. However, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) countered, insisting that as the party’s National Legal Adviser, only he was constitutionally empowered to brief external counsel on behalf of the PDP.
Following the disagreement, Justice Omotosho directed both lawyers and their clients to step out of the courtroom for ten minutes to reconcile their positions. When they returned without an agreement, the judge adjourned the matter to Thursday to enable the party resolve its internal rift and for all parties to respond to pending applications.
In a separate ruling, the judge granted two motions for joinder, adding Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi as the 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants respectively in the suit.
Justice Omotosho cautioned against further delays, warning that the court would not permit political bickering to frustrate judicial proceedings.
“We will give the party an opportunity to resolve its internal issues,” the judge said. “If they do not, I will not entertain any further delays. Politicians are funny; judicial processes should not be made nugatory.
The suit was filed by some PDP state officers who allege that the planned national convention violates the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, arguing that internal democratic procedures were not followed.
The plaintiffs, who are also aspirants in the forthcoming convention, claim they have been unlawfully sidelined by the party’s leadership, which, according to them, continues preparations for the event despite the pendency of the court case.
The legal tussle has further exposed deepening divisions within the opposition party, which has struggled to maintain cohesion since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.
Party insiders say the controversy over legal representation reflects broader tensions between different power blocs within the PDP’s National Working Committee.
The case will resume on Thursday, October 16, 2025, when the court is expected to hear all substantive applications and determine whether the convention can proceed as scheduled.