The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has dropped its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, over alleged compromise in the ongoing legal battle concerning the party’s forthcoming national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a letter dated October 13 and addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, the PDP NWC announced the appointment of Chris Uche, SAN, as the party’s new legal representative in court.
According to the Punch, the letter which was sighted by them on Friday, which the court received on Thursday was signed by the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, along with 13 other NWC members.
Meanwhile, PDP National Executive Committee members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, restated their resolve to continue with preparations for the national convention scheduled for November, pending the Court’s verdict.
The NEC members emphasised that the party’s constitution and internal democracy must guide all preparatory activities leading to the convention.
Recall that after months of internal wrangling, the PDP, at its 101st National Executive Committee meeting held on July 24, resolved to reform and reposition the party through a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, where 19 new members of the National Working Committee are expected to be elected.
However, allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have expressed dissatisfaction with the Umar Damagum-led NWC over disputes related to the South-South zonal leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the micro-zoning formula for the upcoming convention.
Wike’s supporters have warned that the planned convention could be jeopardised if the party fails to revisit some of its recent resolutions. They have already taken legal action to halt the exercise.
The plaintiffs in the suit include Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the PDP in Imo State; Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the PDP in Abia State; and Turnah Alabah George, Secretary of the PDP South-South Zone.
At the hearing on Tuesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, scheduled October 16 for the continuation of the case.
However, when both Ajibade SAN and Uche SAN laid claim to representing the PDP, the judge instructed them to file their respective legal documents so the court could determine who is duly authorised to represent the party.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter to Monday, October 20, for the hearing of the substantive suit and related motions.
He cautioned all parties against any actions that could undermine the court’s authority, directing that all filed processes be exchanged by October 17 to ensure an expedited hearing.
However, in a letter titled Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 – Hon. Austine Nwachukwu and 2 Ors vs Independent National Electoral Commission and 5 Ors (Re: Letter of Instructions), the PDP National Working Committee clarified that Ajibade SAN was removed for taking a compromised stance contrary to the party’s interest.
The letter read in part, “We the undersigned, being the elected members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, which Organ of the Party, by virtue of Section 29 of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), is vested with the responsibility to administer the affairs of the Party hereby affirm and confirm that the Letter of Instructions dated 10th October, 2025 and signed by the National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum appointing Chief Chris Uche SAN as external solicitor to represent the Peoples Democratic Party in the above-mentioned Suit is the unanimous resolution and decision of the NWC with regard to the pending Suit before the Honourable Justice Kolawole Omotosho.
“For clarity, Section 29 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), further empowers the NWC to act on behalf of the National Executive Committee an Organ of the Party which decisions by virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) are binding on all Organs and members of the Party.
“The appointment of the external solicitors by the National Chairman on behalf of the Party is sequel to the resolution of the NWC at its 607th meeting on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, wherein the NWC considered the conduct of the National Legal Adviser of the Party, A.K Ajibade SAN and his continuing compromising position in his handling of cases relating to the Party.
“Please accept the assurances of the highest regard of the National Working Committee always.”
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