Federal High Court stops PDP convention in Ibadan, reaffirming earlier order and warning parties, including INEC, against defiance pending judgment
Federal High Court stops PDP convention as Justice James Omotosho on Thursday reaffirmed an earlier ruling restraining all parties from proceeding with the Peoples Democratic Party’s planned national convention.
Also read: PDP Defection Response Slams One-Party State Fears in Nigeria
The convention, slated for 15 and 16 November 2025 in badan, Oyo State, is now legally frozen, pending a substantive ruling on a suit challenging its legality.
Presiding over the matter in Abuja, Justice Omotosho warned that no action must be taken that could “overreach the court” or render its final decision ineffective.
He reminded parties that consequential sanctions await any defiance of this directive.
“Once a suit is filed and served, no further step should be taken on the matter,” the judge cautioned. “Violation may attract orders nullifying such acts.”
The warning followed concerns raised by PDP counsel Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who sought an expedited hearing due to the implications of the restraining order on party operations.
The judge assured that judgment would be delivered before the end of October, giving legal certainty before the proposed convention dates.
The legal challenge was brought by three aggrieved PDP members: Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (South-South PDP Secretary).
In their suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, they argue that the party failed to hold necessary delegate congresses, thus invalidating the basis for any national convention. They also want the court to bar INEC from recognising any outcome of the proposed event.
Defendants include INEC, the PDP, and top party officials including Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary) and Umar Bature (Organising Secretary).
Three other officials—Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi—were added as co-defendants after being joined at the last sitting.
The plaintiffs claim the convention violates key provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s guidelines on party administration.
Justice Omotosho has fixed a definite hearing for Monday, October 20, instructing all parties to exchange legal processes by October 17 to avoid delays.
During Thursday’s proceedings, both Chris Uche (SAN) and the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) appeared for the party.
The judge has asked for formal filings to clarify who officially represents the PDP in the suit.
Also read: PDP Convention Crisis Deepens as Chairmen Denounce Suit
The Federal High Court stops PDP convention ruling marks a significant turn in the party’s internal politics, with high stakes for leadership restructuring ahead of 2027.
