Why Court Stops PDP from Holding National Convention in Ibadan
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend all preparations for its forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The restraining order, granted by Justice James Omotosho, followed a suit challenging the legality of the planned convention.
The case was instituted by three senior party officials — Austine Nwachukwu (PDP Chairman, Imo State), Amah Abraham Nnanna (PDP Chairman, Abia State), and Turnah George (PDP South-South Secretary). The trio, reportedly allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urged the court to halt the convention, alleging that due process was not followed in its planning.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit. He warned against any action that might undermine the court’s authority and fixed October 31, 2025, for judgment.
The plaintiffs argued that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) failed to conduct valid congresses in several states before announcing the convention date — a move they said contravenes both the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Counsel to the PDP countered that the dispute was an internal party matter that should be resolved through the party’s internal mechanisms rather than litigation. The argument, however, triggered intense debates among stakeholders during court proceedings.
The injunction has now thrown the PDP’s leadership renewal process into uncertainty, dividing members between those who want the event to proceed and others urging total compliance with the court order until final judgment is delivered.
Political observers say the court’s ruling on October 31 will be decisive in determining whether the PDP will proceed with its Ibadan convention, postpone it, or relocate it entirely.
The defendants in the suit include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its national officers, NWC, and NEC.
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