Justice James Omotosho warns parties against actions that could undermine the court’s authority as PDP’s internal crisis deepens ahead of its planned national convention in Ibadan.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed its earlier order mandating all parties involved in the suit surrounding the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, emphasized on Thursday that his directive remains binding and must not be violated by any of the parties. The judge warned that any attempt to circumvent or undermine the court’s authority would attract serious consequences, including the issuance of consequential orders nullifying any such actions.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Omotosho made it clear that the court would not condone any form of self-help or disobedience to judicial orders. “You and I as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice know that once a suit is filed and parties have been served, no party should take any further steps that could affect the subject matter of the case,” he said. “The court must not be overreached, and where such is done, the court has the power to issue consequential orders nullifying such acts. We all know the law; let us respect it. It is in our collective interest.”
The reaffirmation came after counsel to the PDP, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, expressed concerns that his client was being restrained by the subsisting order and requested an accelerated hearing of the suit. Responding, Justice Omotosho assured all parties that he would do everything possible to conclude the matter expeditiously and deliver judgment before the end of October.
“In the instant case, I can assure you that the court’s decision will be made between now and the end of October,” the judge said. “On the day of the judgment, parties will be given copies immediately. I type my judgments myself, so there will be no delay.”
The court has fixed Monday, October 20, 2025, for the definite hearing of the originating summons filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and eight other defendants. The plaintiffs, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) are seeking to halt the party’s planned National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are expected to be elected.
The nine defendants in the suit include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, as well as the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party. Also joined in the suit are Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho directed that all processes must be duly exchanged by the parties no later than October 17 to ensure a smooth and definite hearing on October 20. He also addressed the issue of representation for the PDP, as two senior advocates, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, the party’s National Legal Adviser, and Chris Uche, SAN, both appeared in court claiming to represent the same party. The judge instructed both lawyers to file their respective papers for him to determine who the proper legal representative of the PDP is in the matter.
Justice Omotosho further cautioned that no party would be permitted to employ delay tactics or procedural maneuvers to stall the proceedings. He reiterated his commitment to a fair, speedy, and transparent adjudication of the suit, stressing that the sanctity of the judicial process must be preserved at all times.
The case, which has attracted significant attention within the PDP and among political observers, could have far-reaching implications for the opposition party’s plans to reorganize its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. As tensions mount within the party over internal control and legal representation, the court’s decision at the end of October is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the PDP’s internal politics.
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