The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned 2025 National Convention, pending the determination of a suit filed by some aggrieved party members.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the substantive issues in the case are resolved.
The Court Order
In his ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Omotosho held that the PDP and its leadership must halt all steps related to the convention, including preparations and delegate accreditation, until the court delivers its judgment on the suit before it.
The judge emphasised that proceeding with the event despite the ongoing litigation would amount to “a deliberate disregard for judicial authority.”
The ruling followed an application brought before the court by three PDP members who sought to stop the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Plaintiffs’ Argument
The plaintiffs — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South Zonal Secretary) — argued that the process leading to the convention violated the party’s constitution and democratic norms.
They contended that:
* The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) failed to conduct valid congresses in several states before issuing the notice for the convention.
* The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not properly monitor those congresses as required by law.
* Proceeding with the convention would disenfranchise lawfully constituted delegates and deepen internal crises within the party.
Defendants in the Suit
The defendants in the case include:
1. The PDP National Chairman,
2. The National Secretary,
3. The National Working Committee (NWC), and
4. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
They are all expected to respond to the suit before the next adjourned date.
Political Implications
The restraining order throws the PDP’s timetable for internal leadership renewal into uncertainty. The convention was expected to produce a new set of national officers as part of efforts to reposition the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders told reporters that emergency consultations were already ongoing at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja to decide whether to appeal the ruling or seek an accelerated hearing of the substantive case.
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Meanwhile, INEC sources hinted that the commission would abide by the court’s directive pending further clarification from the judiciary.
Next Steps
The matter has been adjourned for hearing, with Justice Omotosho directing that all parties maintain peace and avoid actions that could prejudice the case.
If the restraining order is upheld, the PDP may be forced to postpone its national convention indefinitely until all internal disputes are resolved.
