The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its local government and state congresses on Wednesday, describing the process as successful despite a restraining order issued by an Ekiti State High Court.
However, an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti issued an interim order stopping the congresses.
Justice E. B. Omotosho issued the decision on Wednesday while ruling on an ex parte motion in suit number HAD/424M/2025 filed by a party member, Afolabi Adedeji.
The judge therefore adjourned to May 14, 2025, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
The defendants in the complaint are the PDP, its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; Ekiti State Caretaker Chairman, Dare Adeleke; and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Adedeji is seeking an interim injunction to prevent the defendants — their agents, privies, and successors-in-office — from accepting any list of individuals who did not purchase election forms, participate in the process, or win by a simple majority vote at Ekiti State’s PDP ward congresses.
He insisted that only delegates elected on March 15, 2025, should be recognised.
He further sought that the original summons be marked as concurrent and that leave be granted for substituted service on the first, second, third, and fifth defendants, all of whom live in the Federal Capital Territory and are not subject to the jurisdiction of the court.
Granting the request, Justice Omotosho ruled, “Leave is hereby granted to the claimant/applicant to serve the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants the originating process with its accompanying documents by substituted means, by pasting the same on the wall of the 1st defendant’s office located on Ajilosun Street, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
“In addition, the claimant/applicant is granted leave to serve the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants via their WhatsApp phone numbers — 08047677070, 08035961850, and 08033242822, respectively.”
The court directed all parties to maintain the status quo till the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
However, the state’s PDP Caretaker Committee termed the congress a success, applauding its peaceful behaviour and participation.
In a statement published in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti PDP Caretaker Chairman, Dare Adeleke, thanked the party’s National Working Committee, INEC, and security agencies for their assistance.
“We are thrilled that the congress commenced and concluded smoothly without any hitches. It is on record that we started ahead of schedule at 8 a.m., and by noon, we had concluded,” Adeleke said.
He also applauded the electoral panel led by Dr Eddy Olafeso, calling their performance “marvellous”.
“Today’s peaceful outing shows how organised and dedicated the committee was in preparing for this congress,” he added.
