The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31, 2025, for the delivery of judgment in a legal dispute seeking to halt the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The suit was filed by three prominent members of the PDP: Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Imo State chapter; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the Abia State chapter; and Turnah Alabh George, Secretary of the South-South zone. They argue that the planned convention, set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, lacks legal validity due to alleged procedural violations.
Justice James Omotosho set the judgment date after hearing final submissions from all parties involved. The plaintiffs contend that no valid congresses were conducted in 14 states before the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) issued the notice for the convention. They argue that this omission breaches the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP Constitution.
Representing the plaintiffs, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu emphasized that the case transcends internal party matters, asserting that it seeks to enforce constitutional and legal compliance in the electoral process.
In contrast, the PDP’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, through his counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that matters concerning conventions and congresses are internal affairs of the party and beyond judicial scrutiny. This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), representing the NWC and NEC.
Justice Omotosho reminded all parties of his earlier order maintaining the status quo regarding the convention and warned that any actions taken in violation of this order would be nullified. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the PDP’s internal governance and the broader political landscape.
