THE Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed its earlier order stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned National Convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
News Point Nigeria reports that delivering a ruling on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho maintained that the status quo must be strictly observed by all parties until the substantive suit challenging the legality of the convention is fully determined.
The judge warned that any attempt by the PDP, its organs, or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to defy the court’s directive would attract serious sanctions.
“Once a matter is before the court and all parties have been duly served, the law requires that no further action be taken on the subject matter. The court must not be overreached,” Justice Omotosho cautioned.
He emphasized that any steps taken in defiance of the existing order would be declared null and void, stressing the judiciary’s determination to protect the rule of law and ensure compliance.
The warning came after PDP’s counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), raised concerns about the impact of the subsisting order on the party’s operations, urging the court for a speedy resolution.
Responding, Justice Omotosho assured that judgment would be delivered before the end of October 2025, noting that the court would not entertain any delay tactics from any party.
“There will be no delay. Judgment will be ready before the end of October, and copies will be made available immediately,” he stated.
The court subsequently fixed Monday, October 20, for the definite hearing of the originating summons filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP seeking to halt the upcoming convention.
The plaintiffs; Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South) dragged the PDP, INEC, and several top party officials before the court, alleging irregularities and violation of the party’s internal democratic processes.
Also listed as defendants are Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
At the last hearing, Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi were joined as additional defendants (7th to 9th) following a successful motion for joinder.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, the plaintiffs are asking the court to stop the PDP from holding the planned convention on the grounds that the party allegedly failed to conduct valid congresses to elect delegates, a prerequisite for a legitimate convention.
The aggrieved members seek a declaration that any notice issued to INEC without properly elected delegates is null and void.
They also want the court to restrain INEC from recognising or giving effect to any notice or outcome of the PDP convention unless it strictly complies with:
The 1999 Constitution (as amended), The Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
Additionally, the plaintiffs asked for an order barring the PDP from convening any National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, or Working Committee meetings without a formal notice issued by the National Secretary, as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
During Thursday’s sitting, the court also addressed an internal dispute over the PDP’s legal representation. Both Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), the party’s National Legal Adviser, appeared in court for the PDP.
Justice Omotosho directed both counsel to file formal applications for the court to determine who is properly authorised to represent the party in the ongoing matter.
He ordered all parties to exchange their legal processes by October 17, ensuring a smooth and timely hearing when the matter resumes.
Justice Omotosho’s reaffirmation of the “status quo” order is expected to stall all preparations for the PDP convention until a final decision is reached..