By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31, 2025, for judgment in a suit filed by three members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to stop the party’s upcoming national convention.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Tuesday after hearing arguments from all parties in the suit, which challenges the legitimacy of the planned convention on the grounds of alleged violations of the PDP’s constitution.
The suit was filed by Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Chairman, Imo PDP), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Chairman, Abia PDP), and Turnah Alabh George (Secretary, PDP South-South), who argue that the convention—scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State—should not proceed due to procedural breaches.
Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that valid congresses were not conducted in 14 states prior to the issuance of the convention notice, as required by law. They argue this failure renders the process leading up to the convention unconstitutional.
The nine defendants in the case include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho reiterated his earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo. He warned that any attempt to circumvent the court’s directive could result in the nullification of actions taken while the case is pending.
Arguing on behalf of the plaintiffs, senior advocate Joseph Daudu (SAN) urged the court not to dismiss the case as an internal party matter. He maintained that the suit is aimed at ensuring compliance with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP Constitution. Daudu emphasized that INEC has a constitutional duty to monitor political party congresses to ensure their validity.
In response, Ambassador Damagum, represented by Paul Erokoro (SAN), challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the conduct of party congresses and conventions falls strictly within the PDP’s internal affairs. This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), who appeared on behalf of both the NWC and NEC.
The court will deliver its judgment on October 31.
