Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned 2025 National Convention until the party complies with the provisions of its constitution, the Electoral Act, and other statutory requirements.
Delivering judgment on Friday in a suit filed by three aggrieved party members, Justice Omotosho also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or giving effect to any report from the convention if it is not conducted in line with the law and the party’s guidelines.
The plaintiffs had approached the court to halt the planned convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers were expected to be elected, citing violations of the PDP constitution.
The defendants in the suit include INEC, the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Reacting to the ruling, the PDP rejected the verdict, insisting that it has not stopped preparations for the convention. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the judgment as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process” and said its legal team has been directed to appeal the decision.
Ologunagba maintained that the ruling does not invalidate the party’s ability to proceed with activities toward electing new national officers, urging members and chapters to remain focused.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, while addressing PDP stakeholders from 12 states and the FCT, expressed mixed feelings about the judgment.
He said, “We are happy that we have fought impunity, but we are also sad about what is happening in the party. It’s unfortunate that the so-called national convention cannot hold. It has never been this bad in the PDP.”
Wike stressed the need for humility and respect among party leaders, warning that arrogance and disregard for contributions of key stakeholders could further destabilize the party.
He urged PDP governors to focus on governance in their states rather than using public resources to deepen the crisis within the party.
“The court has allowed justice to prevail. Nobody will be intimidated — we will do what is right,” he added.
