The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into fresh turmoil following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja halting its much-anticipated national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In response, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has summoned an emergency meeting for Saturday at its national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
A senior NWC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development to Saturday PUNCH, saying the meeting would review the judgment and chart the party’s next course of action.
“The leaders will review what transpired and determine the next line of action. It’s a very serious deliberation that will shape the party’s next steps,” the official said.
⚖️ The Court’s Verdict
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention.
The judge ruled that the opposition party failed to comply with key legal requirements — including valid state congresses and the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy,” Omotosho held, describing the irregularities as “fundamental.”
He also declared that notices for party conventions must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary, adding that any process signed by only one of them was invalid.
The court consequently restrained INEC from monitoring or recognising any convention not conducted in line with the Constitution, Electoral Act, or party guidelines.
The case was filed by Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (South-South Zonal Secretary), who alleged that the party failed to conduct valid congresses in at least 14 states.
The nine defendants in the suit include INEC, Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and others.
🗣️ PDP Reacts: “A
Threat to Democracy”Reacting after the judgment, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum described the ruling as “a panacea to annihilating democracy,” vowing that the PDP would appeal immediately.
“You cannot stop a whole political party from exercising its legal rights,” Damagum said.
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba echoed his sentiments, calling the judgment “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” but assured that preparations for the convention would continue.
“Our lawyers have been directed to appeal immediately. The PDP charges its members to remain focused and steadfast,” he said.
⚔️ Second Suit Emerges
In a related development, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has filed a separate suit before Justice Peter Lifu, seeking to stop the same convention.
Lamido, through his counsel Jeph Njikonye (SAN), argued that the party leadership was breaching its constitution and denying him the right to contest for the position of National Chairman.
Justice Lifu, however, declined to grant an ex parte motion but directed all parties to appear within 72 hours to show cause. The case was adjourned to 6 November for hearing.
🔍 Party Calls for Calm
Senior party figures have urged calm, describing the ruling as both a setback and a wake-up call.
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor said the verdict offered a chance for the PDP to “put its house in order” and rebuild internal unity.
“It may not be the best of judgments, but it’s an opportunity for reflection and reform,” Osadolor noted.
Another NEC member said the judgment could mark “the beginning of a reformed PDP,” as the leadership prepares to engage stakeholders and appeal the decision.
Despite these reassurances, deep divisions persist within the party, particularly between allies of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and supporters of Damagum, over zoning and control of structures in the South-South.
These rifts, dating back to the 2023 elections, continue to threaten the party’s stability ahead of the next general polls.
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