The Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed its earlier order stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with preparations for its forthcoming national convention, warning all parties involved against taking any action that could undermine the case.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, cautioned on Thursday that the order maintaining status quo remains valid and binding until the court delivers judgment. He warned that any party that resorts to self-help would face serious consequences.
“No party must take any step that could jeopardize or render the decision of this court nugatory,” the judge stated firmly. “The law is clear — once a suit is filed and processes are served, parties must refrain from further action on the subject. The court will not be overreached.”
The warning came after one of the PDP’s counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, raised concerns that the status quo order was hindering the party’s ability to move forward and urged the court to expedite proceedings.
Justice Omotosho assured that judgment in the matter would be delivered before the end of October.
“This court will do everything possible to ensure a speedy conclusion. I type my own judgments to avoid delays, so parties will receive copies immediately,” he said.
The judge fixed Monday, October 20, for definite hearing of the originating summons filed by three aggrieved PDP members against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and eight others.
The plaintiffs — Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP South-South Secretary) — are seeking to halt the PDP’s planned National Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are to be elected.
The defendants in the suit include INEC, the PDP, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum (Acting National Chairman), Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organizing Secretary), and members of both the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
During Thursday’s proceedings, a mild drama played out as two Senior Advocates — Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, the party’s National Legal Adviser, and Chris Uche, SAN — both appeared for the PDP. Justice Omotosho directed them to file their papers to enable the court determine the rightful legal representative of the party.
He further ordered that all parties exchange their filed processes by October 17, to clear the way for final hearing.
“The court will not allow any ploy to delay justice. This matter will be resolved before the end of October so that everyone knows where they stand,” the judge added.
The suit has intensified internal wrangling within the PDP ahead of its scheduled convention, seen by many as crucial to repositioning the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.