Abuja Court Orders Parties to Maintain Status Quo on PDP Convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja has restated its earlier directive ordering all parties to maintain the current status quo concerning the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party National Convention set for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Presiding over the case on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the initial order remains binding and must not be breached by any party until the court delivers judgment on the substantive matter. He cautioned that any move capable of undermining the authority of the court or rendering its decision meaningless would attract severe consequences.

The warning followed a submission by the PDP’s lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who informed the court that the existing order had restrained his client’s activities and therefore requested a speedy determination of the case. Justice Omotosho, in response, assured all parties that the court’s decision would be delivered before the end of October and warned against any attempt to employ delay tactics.

“As lawyers and officers in the temple of justice, we know that once a matter is before a court and the parties have been duly served, no one is permitted to take further action on the subject. The court must not be undermined” the judge stated.

He added that any party acting in defiance of this rule risks nullification of such actions by the court. “Let us all abide by the law; it serves our collective interest. I assure you that judgment will be delivered before the end of October, and copies will be circulated immediately” he said.

The case was adjourned to Monday, October 20, for definite hearing on the originating summons filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP against the Independent National Electoral Commission and eight others. The plaintiffs—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South)—seek to halt the planned national convention in Ibadan, where new 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, and the National Executive Committee. Following a successful joinder application at the last sitting, Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi were added as the 7th to 9th defendants.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, requests judicial declarations and injunctions compelling the PDP to uphold internal democracy in the conduct of its congresses, conventions, and elections. The plaintiffs argue that the party failed to conduct the necessary congresses for delegate elections, thereby invalidating any notice sent to INEC.

They are also asking the court to restrain INEC from acknowledging or giving effect to any notice or outcome from the PDP convention unless it aligns fully with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. Furthermore, they seek an order barring the PDP and its officials from convening any National Executive Committee, National Caucus, or Working Committee meetings without proper notice from the National Secretary.

Justice Omotosho ordered all parties to exchange legal documents by October 17 to ensure smooth proceedings. During Thursday’s session, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), appeared on behalf of the PDP. The judge directed both counsel to file formal representations to determine who properly holds brief for the party in the case.