The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State went ahead with its local government and state congresses on Wednesday, declaring the process peaceful and successful, even as a court order had sought to halt the exercise.
Earlier in the day, Justice E. B. Omotosho of the Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti issued an interim injunction restraining the PDP from conducting the congresses.
The ruling was based on an ex parte motion filed by Afolabi Adedeji in suit number HAD/424M/2025.
The matter, which involves 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 (INEC), has been adjourned to May 14, 2025, for hearing of the motion on notice.
Adedeji is asking the court to bar the defendants and their agents from recognising or accepting any list of individuals who did not obtain nomination forms, participate in the election process, or emerge through the proper voting procedure at the PDP’s ward congresses.
He contends that only delegates elected on March 15, 2025, should be acknowledged.
He also requested the court’s permission to serve the originating summons and related documents via substituted means to defendants located outside Ekiti jurisdiction, including the Federal Capital Territory.
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.”
He further stated, “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 also directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Despite the ruling, the PDP Caretaker Committee in Ekiti proceeded with the congress, applauding the process and turnout.
In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti PDP Caretaker Chairman, Dare Adeleke, thanked the party’s National Working Committee, INEC, and security operatives for ensuring a smooth exercise.
“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 am and by noon, we had concluded,” Adeleke said.
He praised the Electoral Panel chaired by Dr. Eddy Olafeso for their commitment, describing their efforts as “marvellous.”
“Today’s peaceful outing shows how organised and dedicated the committee was in preparing for this congress,” he added.
