The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the ruling of an Oyo State High Court that approved the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) proposed national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.
Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court granted the ex parte motion on Monday in suit number I/1336/2025, filed by Folahan Adelabi, allowing the PDP to proceed with its convention while restraining any attempt to frustrate or truncate the event. The case was adjourned to November 10 for further hearing.
However, the ruling directly contradicts a Federal High Court judgment delivered last Friday in Abuja, where Justice James Omotosho ordered the PDP to halt preparations for the convention until it complied with its constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution.
Justice Omotosho, ruling on suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 filed by three aggrieved PDP members—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South PDP secretary)—directed the party to issue the statutory 21-day notice to INEC before any convention could be held.
He also barred INEC from attending or recognising the outcome of any convention not conducted in accordance with due process.
Reacting through his aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the Abuja ruling takes precedence, describing the Oyo decision as “an ex parte order that will expire within days.”
“Are you unaware of the Friday judgment of the Federal High Court? Another court now gave an ex parte order! Is the High Court in Ibadan the Court of Appeal? Is that an order you should obey? A judgment is superior to an ex parte order,” Wike said.
READ ALSO: PDP crisis deepens as Anyanwu faction suspends Damagum, others
PDP leadership turmoil
Meanwhile, internal divisions within the PDP deepened on Tuesday as the embattled factional National Chairman, Umar Damagum, suspended five top party officials, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged anti-party activities.
In a letter to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, dated November 1, 2025, Damagum said the suspensions followed resolutions from the National Working Committee’s (NWC) emergency meeting held the same day.
Those affected include Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy Legal Adviser), and Senator Anyanwu. The officers were referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action, with their deputies and directors instructed to oversee operations during their suspension.
However, the move has been criticised by some party officials, who described it as politically motivated. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, blamed state governors for the escalating crisis, accusing them of “hijacking the party” and refusing to provide clear leadership.
“The only exception is Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, who has been consistent. The rest double-speak, creating the instability we’re witnessing,” Osadolor said.
He also declared the suspension of Anyanwu “null and void,” arguing that due process was not followed.
The party remains divided ahead of its planned convention, with rival factions fighting for control of the National Secretariat and conflicting court rulings deepening uncertainty over the PDP’s immediate future.
