The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to halt its planned national convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16. The directive was delivered by Justice James Omotosho following a suit filed by three aggrieved party members.
The court held that evidence presented established that the PDP failed to comply with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the party’s own constitution. Specifically, the party had not conducted valid state congresses before moving to hold the national convention to elect its officers.
Justice Omotosho emphasized that only the PDP’s National Legal Adviser has the authority to represent the party or appoint external solicitors, setting aside all processes filed by Chief Chris Uche and Eyitayo Jegede. He also affirmed that Ali Odefa is no longer a member of the PDP, declaring all meetings and processes in which he participated null and void. Similarly, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi’s involvement was dismissed, with the court confirming that Chief Dan Osi Orbih is the lawful National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South Zone. The court instructed both the PDP and INEC not to recognize Ogidi in any capacity.
The plaintiffs in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, are Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South). The defendants include PDP, INEC, the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, two national officers Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi, as well as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
The court dismissed preliminary objections from the defendants challenging its jurisdiction, stating that the suit is not an internal party matter but rather seeks to hold INEC accountable for fulfilling its statutory duties. Justice Omotosho highlighted that the plaintiffs are not challenging the outcome of any congress or leadership dispute but are ensuring compliance with electoral regulations and transparency in party administration.
The court directed the PDP to regularize its processes, conduct valid state congresses, and issue the statutory 21-day notice before proceeding with the convention. Observations during the hearing indicated that notices had not been signed by the National Secretary and that valid congresses had not been held in all states, underscoring the need for judicial oversight before the planned convention.
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