PDP NWC Removes National Legal Adviser Over Alleged Compromise in Pre-Convention Court Case

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has relieved its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, of his duties following allegations of compromise in the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a letter dated October 13 and addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, the PDP NWC named Chris Uche, SAN, as the party’s new legal representative. The letter, which was received by the court on Thursday and obtained by newsmen on Friday, was signed by PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, along with 13 other NWC members.

Meanwhile, PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, reaffirmed their commitment to proceed with preparations for the convention, pending the outcome of the ongoing court case. They stressed that the party’s constitution and principles of internal democracy would continue to guide all preparatory processes.

The decision follows the party’s 101st NEC meeting held on July 24, where members agreed to reform and reposition the PDP through a National Elective Convention in Ibadan. Nineteen new members of the NWC are expected to emerge from that convention.

However, loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have voiced dissatisfaction with the Damagum-led NWC over internal disagreements involving the South-South zonal leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the micro-zoning formula for the forthcoming convention.

Wike’s supporters have already approached the court to halt the convention, warning that recent resolutions could jeopardize the unity of the party if not revisited. The plaintiffs — Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabah George (Secretary, PDP South-South Zone) — filed a suit before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who fixed October 16 for continuation of the case.

During proceedings, both Ajibade and Uche claimed to represent the PDP, prompting Justice Omotosho to order the submission of necessary legal documents to determine who was duly authorized. The matter was adjourned to Monday, October 20, for hearing, with the judge warning all parties against actions that could undermine the court’s authority.

In a letter titled Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 – Hon. Austine Nwachukwu and 2 Ors vs INEC and 5 Ors (Re: Letter of Instructions), the PDP NWC clarified that Ajibade was removed for allegedly taking positions contrary to the party’s interest. The letter, signed by the NWC members, affirmed that Uche’s appointment was the unanimous decision of the committee during its 607th meeting on September 30, 2025.

Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor told newsmen that certain “counterforces” were working against the convention, emphasizing that it remains fixed. “The court has not stopped the convention, and only the court can do so. However, I appeal to the judiciary not to become a tool for political merchants” he said.
He urged members to embrace reconciliation, stressing that “any victory against a fellow party member is hollow.”

Former National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, added that the PDP remains on course to rebuild and reposition itself. “The party has faced challenges, but by January, Nigerians will begin to see a reformed PDP that embodies change. Nothing can stop the convention” he said.

PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, cautioned party members against making prejudicial comments, urging them to respect the court’s directives. Attempts to reach PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and Ajibade for comment were unsuccessful as their lines were unreachable.