The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to October 16 the hearing of a suit seeking to halt the upcoming national convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), following an open courtroom dispute between the party’s top officials over legal representation.
The suit, filed by three PDP leaders Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Amah Nnanna (Abia), and George Turnah (South-South) aimed to stop the convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are set to be elected.
Drama unfolded during proceedings as PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), clashed over who had the constitutional authority to appoint the party’s legal team.
Damagum had appointed Chris Uche (SAN) to represent the PDP, backing it with a written mandate.
However, Ajibade objected, insisting that only his office is legally empowered to designate counsel on behalf of the party, citing past judicial rulings to support his argument.
Justice Inyang Ekwo Omotosho, visibly surprised by the intra-party feud, briefly stood down the matter and instructed both officials to resolve their differences outside the courtroom.
After a 10-minute recess, both men returned without resolution, prompting Uche to request a short adjournment to allow the party leadership to reconcile.
Justice Omotosho also granted a request to join Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi as 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants in the case. The original six defendants include:
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
The PDP
Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary)
Umar Bature (Organising Secretary)
The National Working Committee (NWC)
The National Executive Committee (NEC)
Also present in court was Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a key stakeholder in the upcoming convention.
The legal dispute comes amid increasing defections from the PDP and growing internal divisions.
The outcome of this case could significantly shape the party’s leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The case resumes Thursday, October 16, with expectations high for a resolution to the internal leadership standoff.
