The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing on a suit seeking to halt the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) upcoming national convention until Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Justice James Omotosho made the ruling on Tuesday following a heated dispute between two senior lawyers, Chris Uche (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) each claiming to represent the PDP in the matter.
Uche told the court he had been officially briefed by PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, while Ajibade, the party’s National Legal Adviser, insisted he alone was legally empowered to appoint external counsel, citing internal party rules and judicial precedent.
In an effort to resolve the impasse, Justice Omotosho asked both lawyers to step outside the courtroom for a brief reconciliation. However, when they returned, Uche informed the court that no resolution had been reached.
Ajibade further alleged that tensions escalated outside the courtroom.
“He [Uche] saw the atmosphere where some individuals threatened to beat me up,” Ajibade claimed. “I realised the issue couldn’t be settled here. The party’s constitutional process must be followed.”
Uche responded by presenting a letter signed by Damagum authorising him to represent the party.
“We made serious and deliberate efforts to resolve what should be a minor issue,” he said.
The suit was filed by three PDP officials: Imo State Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu; Abia State Chairman, Amah Nnanna; and South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George. They are asking the court to halt the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The plaintiffs also requested the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the convention, alleging that the event violates the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, two separate motions to join the suit were submitted: one by Paul Erokoro (SAN) on behalf of National Chairman Umar Damagum, and another by Audu Anuga for PDP chieftains Chief Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Although the plaintiffs’ counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), opposed the motions, Justice Omotosho allowed them, joining Damagum, Odefa, and Ogidi as the 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants in the case.
Justice Omotosho cautioned the PDP to settle its internal issues promptly, warning that the court would not tolerate further delays.
“We’ll give the party a chance to resolve its internal issues. If they don’t, I won’t allow any more delays. You are members of the same party, get this resolved,” he said.
“Politicians are funny. I’ll say it again: judicial processes should not be made nugatory.”
The case was then adjourned to Thursday, October 16, for the hearing of the main suit and all pending applications.
The judge gave all parties 24 hours to file their responses.
