The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its much-anticipated national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing breaches of constitutional and procedural rules.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the opposition party failed to comply with key provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and the PDP’s own constitution, rendering the planned convention legally defective.
Aggrieved Members Challenge Legality
The ruling followed a suit filed by three aggrieved chieftains of the party—Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the PDP in Imo State; Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia State PDP Chairman; and Turnah Alabh George, PDP Secretary for the South-South Zone.
In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, the plaintiffs sought to stop the PDP from proceeding with the convention, arguing that the party leadership ignored its constitutional obligations to conduct valid state congresses before electing delegates to the national convention.
According to the plaintiffs, the failure to organize these congresses not only violated the party’s internal rules but also flouted INEC’s electoral regulations, which require that political parties follow a transparent and sequential process before electing national officers.
Court Upholds Plaintiffs’ Case
In a detailed judgment, Justice Omotosho agreed with the aggrieved members, ruling that the PDP’s actions amounted to a “fundamental breach of due process.”
“The evidence before this court clearly shows that the PDP proceeded to plan a national convention without first holding valid state congresses as stipulated by its constitution and the Electoral Act. Such a process cannot stand,” the judge held.
The court further directed the PDP to “put its house in order” by conducting proper state congresses across all states, and to issue the statutory 21-day notice to INEC before scheduling any future convention.
Defendants’ Objection Dismissed
Cited as defendants in the suit were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, as well as two national officers, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi, alongside the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
The defendants had filed preliminary objections, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction to interfere in what they described as an “internal affair” of a political party.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed their objection, holding that issues of compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements transcend internal party matters and fall squarely within the jurisdiction of the court.
“When a political party acts contrary to its own constitution or the laws governing electoral conduct, it ceases to be an internal issue. The court is duty-bound to intervene to uphold the rule of law,” he stated.
Convention Postponed, Party in Turmoil
The judgment effectively halts the PDP’s plans to elect new national officers—a process that was expected to reshape the leadership of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders described the development as a major setback, warning that it could deepen existing divisions among members and delay efforts to reposition the PDP as a formidable challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A senior party official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the leadership was “reviewing the judgment carefully” and would decide whether to comply with the ruling or appeal the decision in the coming days.
“We are studying the judgment and consulting our legal team. The party will take a position that protects its integrity and ensures that our processes remain democratic,” the source said.
Legal experts say the PDP now has two options: to return to the drawing board by conducting proper state congresses and issuing a new INEC notice—or to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
The ruling also serves as a warning to political parties across Nigeria about the necessity of internal democracy and adherence to due process.
“This judgment underscores the judiciary’s willingness to enforce accountability within political parties,” said constitutional lawyer, Dr. Chuka Agwu. “No party can claim immunity when it disregards its own rules or the nation’s constitution.”
As the PDP grapples with its next move, political analysts predict that the court order could alter its pre-election timetable and intensify internal power struggles within its ranks.
