A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 31 for its ruling on a lawsuit seeking to halt the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention, threatening the opposition party’s plans to elect new leaders on November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The case, which exposes deep rifts within the PDP, could disrupt its efforts to regroup ahead of potential 2026 electoral contests.
The suit, filed by Imo State PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia State Chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South Zonal Secretary Turnah Alabh George, accuses the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of violating the PDP Constitution, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022.
The plaintiffs argue that the convention is invalid due to the failure to conduct proper ward and local government congresses in 14 states, a prerequisite for legitimate party elections.
During Tuesday’s contentious hearing, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that “fundamental democratic processes” were bypassed, rendering the planned convention unlawful.
Daudu also challenged the representation of the PDP by Chief Chris Uche SAN, arguing that only the party’s National Legal Adviser is authorized to represent it.
He further noted that the defendants’ failure to file a notice of change of counsel weakened their case, urging the court to grant all reliefs sought in the originating summons.
The defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Ali Odefa, Emmanuel Ogidi, and the NWC and NEC, faced scrutiny for allegedly sidestepping electoral protocols.
The defense, led by Paul Erokoro SAN and Eyitayo Jegede SAN, argued that the court lacks jurisdiction over internal party matters and urged dismissal of the suit.
Justice James Omotosho, upholding an interim order to maintain the status quo, warned that any defiance could lead to nullification of actions taken.
After hearing arguments, he adjourned the case to October 31, leaving the PDP’s leadership plans in suspense.
The PDP, still recovering from its 2023 election loss, had hoped the Ibadan convention would unify factions and install new leadership to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, this legal challenge, combined with recent defections like that of Benue lawmaker Ojotu to the APC, shows the party’s fragility.
A ruling favoring the plaintiffs could delay the convention by forcing compliance with congress requirements, while a defense win would allow it to proceed amid lingering tensions.
“The PDP’s internal chaos risks diminishing its role as a viable opposition,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a Lagos-based political analyst.
“This court decision could make or break its momentum.”As the October 31 verdict nears, the PDP’s future hangs in the balance, with the outcome poised to shape its leadership and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com