Court Sets October 31 for Judgment in PDP Convention Dispute

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31 for judgment in the case challenging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s planned national convention. Justice James Omotosho fixed the date following the adoption of final written addresses and arguments from both the plaintiffs and defence teams.

The suit was brought by Austin Nwachukwu (Chairman, Imo PDP), Amah Nnanna (Chairman, Abia PDP), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South Zonal Secretary of the PDP). The trio is seeking to halt the upcoming national convention, which is scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers of the party are expected to be elected.

The defendants in the suit include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, as well as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC). Others joined in the case are PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.

At the court session on Tuesday, Justice Omotosho reminded all parties of his earlier order mandating the maintenance of the status quo concerning the convention, warning against any actions that might breach this directive.

Plaintiffs’ counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court not to dismiss the case as a mere internal party matter. He argued that the plaintiffs are enforcing compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the 2022 Electoral Act, and the PDP’s internal rules. According to Daudu, no valid congresses were conducted in 14 states prior to the issuance of notice for the convention by the NWC and NEC, and INEC did not monitor any such processes, which violates legal provisions.

On the other side, Paul Erokoro (SAN), representing PDP National Chairman Damagum, asked the court to decline jurisdiction, stating that the case concerns internal party matters which courts should not adjudicate. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), appearing for the NWC and NEC, echoed this view, maintaining that issues of party congresses and conventions fall outside judicial scrutiny.

Justice Omotosho will deliver his ruling on the matter on October 31.