The Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed its earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, ruled on Thursday that the previous order remains binding and must not be violated until the substantive suit is determined.
The judge cautioned all parties against taking actions that could undermine the authority of the court or render its final judgment meaningless, warning that any such conduct would attract “consequential sanctions.”
The warning followed a submission by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), counsel for the PDP, who informed the court that the party was constrained by the existing order and requested an expedited hearing to resolve the matter before the scheduled convention.
Justice Omotosho assured all parties that judgment would be delivered before the end of October, stressing that the court would not tolerate delay tactics.
“You and I, as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, know that once a suit has been filed and parties have been served, the law is that no further step should be taken concerning the subject matter,” the judge said.
He added: “Where any party violates this principle, the court has the power to issue consequential orders nullifying such acts. Let us all respect the law; it is in our collective interest.”
The court subsequently fixed Monday, October 20, for the definite hearing of the originating summons filed by three aggrieved PDP members—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
The plaintiffs are seeking to halt the planned national convention, arguing that the PDP failed to conduct the required congresses to elect delegates, thereby invalidating any notice sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The defendants in the suit include INEC, the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), the National Working Committee, and the National Executive Committee. At the previous sitting, the court joined Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi as the 7th to 9th defendants.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, the plaintiffs are seeking orders compelling the PDP to adhere to democratic principles in the conduct of its congresses and internal elections, as well as to restrain INEC from recognising any convention not held in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 guidelines.
Justice Omotosho also directed all parties to exchange their processes by October 17 to facilitate a smooth hearing. The PDP was represented by Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), its National Legal Adviser. However, the judge ordered both lawyers to file formal representations to enable the court to determine who is the party’s rightful counsel in the case.
