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.

In a formal ceremony held at the Lion Building, Enugu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presented its party membership card to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, confirming his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC.

The event was announced via the APC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shortly after Governor Mbah’s public address in which he declared his decision to shift allegiance to the APC under the theme “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC.”

“The APC National Working Committee has formally presented the Party’s membership card to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah @PNMbah, officially marking his entry into the APC,” read the party’s post.

In his state-wide broadcast earlier in the day, Governor Mbah explained that his decision was not driven by personal ambition or emotion, but was the outcome of months of consultations.

“Joining the APC is about ensuring Enugu’s development aligns more closely with the policies and programmes of the federal government under President Tinubu. We do this for the greater good of our people,” he stated.

He noted that although Enugu and the broader South East have long been loyal to the PDP, the region has often been overlooked during moments that mattered most. He sees this move as a pathway to amplify Enugu’s voice at the national level.

Governor Mbah also praised President Bola Tinubu as not just a political leader, but a “partner in purpose”, one willing to make tough decisions for Nigeria’s advancement.

“This is not a detour; it is a conscious step toward a stronger future for Enugu,” he affirmed.

He gave assurances that existing state projects, such as the Smart Green Schools, health centres, and road works, would continue and be completed on schedule.

“Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” Governor Mbah said.

Joining him in the ceremony were his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, members of the State Executive Council, National Assembly delegates, local government chairmen, and various political stakeholders.

The governor said that Enugu will now fully engage with the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to empower 8.8 million Nigerians across 8,809 electoral wards.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed a proposal by the National Assembly to shift the 2027 general elections forward to November 2026, warning that such a move could significantly undermine governance in Nigeria.

The proposal, which was presented during a joint public hearing in Abuja on Monday, seeks to amend the current electoral calendar to allow for the conclusion of election petitions before the swearing-in of new officeholders.

However, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement on Tuesday rejecting the idea.

According to the party, the proposed timeline would shorten the effective period for governance and plunge the country into a never-ending election cycle.

“By cutting the current political calendar by six months, the proposal threatens to push Nigeria into a state of permanent electioneering, where politics dominates governance and development is perpetually on hold,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that if elections are held in November 2026, serious campaigning would likely begin as early as 2025, leaving elected officials with barely two years to focus on actual governance before political distractions take over.

“Presidents, governors, ministers, and public officials will prioritize campaign positioning over public service. Projects may be abandoned, policies stalled, and leadership focus will shift prematurely to the next election,” the statement warned.

Abdullahi also cited the current climate under the APC-led administration as a cautionary example, noting that political campaigning has already overshadowed governance long before the end of the term.

While acknowledging the concern over delayed resolution of election petitions, the ADC insisted that amending the election date is not the solution.

Instead, the party called for reforms that would strengthen the nation’s institutions, particularly the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“If the aim is to ensure petitions are resolved before inaugurations, then the focus should be on judicial reform, strict adherence to tribunal timelines, and capacity building within INEC, not on cutting short the democratic mandate of elected leaders,” Abdullahi concluded.

The Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche, is currently holding a meeting with the Chairmen and Secretaries of various political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

This consultative session marks the first time Agbamuche is presiding over such a gathering since assuming the role of acting chairman.

The meeting is part of a series of stakeholder engagements organized by INEC as it gears up for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 2025.

During the session, the commission and party officials are expected to discuss key issues, clarify concerns, and ensure all preparations are on track to conduct a credible election in Anambra.

Three members of the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in Kaduna State have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the ruling party’s presence in the region.

The lawmakers; Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau) and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabongari) announced their defections through individual letters read aloud by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary on Tuesday.

Kaduna has seen a surge in high-profile defections to the APC in recent months, including notable figures such as Senator Shehu Sani and Hon. Amos Magaji.

Both Governor Uba Sani and Speaker Abbas have publicly received new entrants into the APC at separate state events, sparking speculation of a calculated effort to suppress opposition influence in the North-Western state.

In their respective letters, the defecting lawmakers cited ongoing instability within the PDP and a desire to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as key motivations behind their move.

In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Makera Ward, Kaduna South Local Government Area, Abdulkarim Ahmed wrote:

“The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP, which have climaxed into an elongated party crisis, are undesirably impacting my ability to effectively represent my constituency and accomplish my obligations optimally.

“In view of the enduring situation and after wide consultations with my constituents, key stakeholders, and political allies, I have come to the tough but necessary decision to resign my membership of the PDP.”

“This decision is driven by my commitment to continue serving the good people of Kaduna South Federal Constituency beyond partisan lines, ensuring that all constituents benefit from purposeful, inclusive, and effective representation.”

“I sincerely thank the PDP for the privilege and opportunity to serve under its platform. The support, trust, and experiences I have gained during my time with the party were priceless, and I remain deeply grateful to its leadership and members at all levels.”

“While thanking you for your support, please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

The other two lawmakers echoed similar sentiments in their resignation letters.