The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned hearing in the suit seeking to halt the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The adjournment was to allow the parties resolve a dispute over the party’s legal representation before the matter proceeds.
Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling after a heated disagreement arose between two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chris Uche and Kamaldeen Ajibade.
Both lawyers laid claim to representing the PDP in the case, creating a conflict that stalled proceedings.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the PDP in Imo State; Amah Nnanna, Chairman of the PDP in Abia State; and Turnah George, the PDP South-South Zonal Secretary.
The plaintiffs instituted the action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and its National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature.
Also joined as defendants were the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The plaintiffs are seeking an order restraining the defendants from proceeding with the national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
They also prayed the court to bar INEC from monitoring the exercise pending the determination of their substantive suit.
In addition, they asked the court to restrain the defendants from convening or participating in any meeting scheduled for October 15, 2025, including meetings of the NEC, National Caucus, or NWC.
The plaintiffs urged the court to direct all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum by refraining from actions that could prejudice their pending application for interlocutory injunction.
They argued that as registered members and current officeholders of the PDP, they intended to contest positions at the forthcoming convention but had been sidelined through what they described as “illegal and unconstitutional actions” of the defendants.
According to them, the planned convention violates the PDP Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, for failing to comply with internal democratic procedures.
They further contended that despite the pendency of their case, the defendants continued preparations for the convention, thereby threatening their legal and political interests.
At Tuesday’s sitting, the dispute over who was authorised to represent the PDP overshadowed the substantive issues.
Uche informed the court that he was instructed by the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to appear for the party, citing a letter of instruction.
Ajibade, however, objected, insisting that as the party’s National Legal Adviser, he alone was constitutionally empowered to brief external counsel on behalf of the PDP.
Faced with the standoff, Justice Omotosho directed both lawyers and their clients to step out of the courtroom for 10 minutes to attempt an amicable resolution.
When proceedings resumed, Uche reported that no agreement had been reached, while Ajibade maintained that the PDP Constitution vested authority in him as National Legal Adviser.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday, October 16, 2025, for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications, after also granting motions to join Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi as additional defendants.
