PDP Convention on Hold as Court Insists on Status Quo  

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed an existing injunction restraining any actions aimed at proceeding with the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan. Justice James Omotosho held that the earlier court order remains valid and must not be breached pending the resolution of a substantive suit challenging the convention process.

During Thursday’s hearing, counsel for the plaintiffs, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), argued that any attempt to move forward with preparations or delegate elections would undermine the pending legal dispute. The judge warned that any acts capable of frustrating the court’s authority could attract consequential sanctions.

Justice Omotosho pledged to deliver judgment before the end of October, stating that he would not allow delay tactics to derail the case. He affirmed that he would issue copies of his decision immediately upon delivery.

The court also scheduled Monday, October 20, for the full hearing of the originating summons filed by three PDP members from Imo, Abia, and the South-South zone. The plaintiffs are seeking to invalidate any convention held without compliance with the party’s own constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations.

They named as defendants INEC, the PDP’s National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, and key officials including Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary) and Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary). Recently, three more persons—Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi—were added as defendants via joinder motions.

At the hearing, Justice Omotosho directed all parties to exchange their legal processes by October 17, and called on the PDP’s legal representatives to clarify which counsel is properly authorised to act in the suit.

This decision comes amid a broader internal struggle within the PDP, with state chairmen publicly maintaining that the convention must proceed as planned, despite ongoing litigation.