The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled 31 October 2025 to deliver judgment in a suit seeking to halt the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention slated for 15 and 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Tuesday after hearing arguments from both sides in the case filed by three aggrieved PDP members — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
The plaintiffs are challenging the legality of the planned convention, alleging violations of the PDP Constitution, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022. They argue that the convention notice was issued without valid congresses being held in 14 states, which they claim undermines the legitimacy of the process.
The suit lists nine defendants, including:
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
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The PDP
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Samuel Anyanwu (PDP National Secretary)
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Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary)
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The PDP National Working Committee (NWC)
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The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC)
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Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum (Acting National Chairman)
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Ali Odefa
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Emmanuel Ogidi
At Tuesday’s sitting, Justice Omotosho reiterated that all parties must maintain the status quo and warned he would not hesitate to nullify any actions taken in breach of the court’s directive during the case’s pendency.
Arguing for the plaintiffs, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu urged the court to reject the notion that the matter is strictly an internal party affair. He insisted the suit is a constitutional issue aimed at ensuring compliance with national electoral laws and the PDP’s internal regulations.
Daudu also stressed that INEC has a statutory obligation to monitor valid congresses before any convention can be deemed lawful, and that the absence of such congresses renders the planned convention invalid.
In contrast, Ambassador Umar Damagum, represented by Paul Erokoro SAN, urged the court to decline jurisdiction, insisting that the matter relates to internal party processes which are not subject to judicial interference. This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede SAN, counsel for the PDP’s NWC and NEC, who also argued that the court cannot adjudicate on internal affairs of a political party.
Justice Omotosho is expected to rule on whether the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the court and whether the scheduled convention can proceed.
