The Federal High Court in Abuja has reiterated its earlier judgment requiring all parties to maintain the status quo ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, which is scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice James Omotosho, the presiding court, ruled on Thursday that the earlier order remains in effect and must not be infringed by any party until the substantive suit is resolved.
Justice Omotosho cautioned that any attempt to undermine the court’s authority or render its eventual decision ineffective would result in severe consequences.
The warning came after a complaint by PDP lawyer Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who informed the court that his client was restrained by the existing injunction and so requested an accelerated hearing.
In response, the court guaranteed all parties that judgment in the matter will be rendered by the end of October, emphasizing that no party would be allowed to use delay tactics.
“You and I, as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, know that once a suit has been filed and parties have been served, the law is that no further step should be taken concerning the subject matter. The court must not be overreached,” Omotosho said.
He added, “Where any party violates this principle, the court has the power to issue consequential orders nullifying such acts. Let us all respect the law; it is in our collective interest. I assure you that judgment will be delivered before the end of October, and copies will be made available immediately.”
The court set Monday, October 20, for a definite hearing on the originating summons brought by three disgruntled PDP members against the Independent National Electoral Commission and eight others.
The claimants are Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
They are seeking to stop the party’s planned national convention, which is scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers would be selected.
The defendants in the complaint are INEC, the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organizing Secretary), the National Working Committee (NWC), and the party’s National Executive Committee.
Following a successful joinder application, the court joined Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi as the seventh through ninth defendants at the most recent hearing.
The plaintiffs in the FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 complaint seek declarations and injunctions requiring the PDP to scrupulously adhere to democratic norms in the conduct of its congresses, conventions, and internal elections.
They argue that the party failed to organize the necessary congresses to elect delegates for the upcoming convention, rendering any notice provided to INEC unlawful.
The plaintiffs also requested that the court prevent INEC from recognizing or giving effect to any notice or outcome of the PDP convention unless it is conducted in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
They also want orders prohibiting the PDP and its executives from convening any National Executive Committee, National Caucus, or Working Committee meetings without prior notice from the National Secretary.
Justice Omotosho recommended that the parties exchange their processes by October 17 to enable a smooth hearing.
During Thursday’s sessions, the PDP was represented by Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade, the party’s National Legal Adviser.
The judge, however, required both lawyers to file formal papers so that the court could establish the party’s proper legal counsel in the case.
