The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of Nigeria’s foremost opposition parties, has deepened following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which stopped the party from proceeding with its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending further notice.
The PDP’s national convention, meant to be a unifying national event, has instead thrown the party into a wave of internal conflict, legal confrontation, and leadership disputes that now threaten its stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Court Halts PDP Convention
In a judgement delivered on Friday, October 31, 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restrained the PDP from holding its planned convention until it complies with the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
The case, FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by three aggrieved party members, namely Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
Justice Omotosho ruled that the PDP must “put its house in order and give the statutory 21-day notice to INEC before proceeding with the convention.” He also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or attending any PDP convention not conducted in accordance with the law and due process.
The ruling triggered a chain of actions and counteractions that further threw the party into confusion, with the PDP rejecting the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, saying it will proceed regardless.
However, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT, and his allies welcomed the court’s ruling, calling it a “victory against impunity” and insisting the party must comply with due process before any convention can be valid.
The PDP had earlier dismissed the conditions set by Wike and his allies as prerequisites for holding the convention.
Oyo High Court Counters Abuja Ruling
Barely 72 hours after the Abuja court ruling, a High Court in Oyo State, sitting in Ibadan, issued a contrary judgement granting the PDP permission to hold its national convention as scheduled.
Justice A. L. Akintola, ruling on an ex-parte application filed by a PDP member, Mr. Folahan Adelabi, approved the convention and directed INEC to attend and monitor the exercise for the election of new national officers.
The conflicting court orders plunged the PDP into deeper uncertainty, as party leaders and lawyers debated which judgement to obey.
Fresh Power Tussle: Damagum vs. Anyanwu Factions
The tenure of the current leadership under Ambassador Iliya Damagum is due to expire next month, but the court injunction has disrupted the transition process.
Within hours of the Abuja ruling, Damagum’s faction announced the suspension of several key party officials, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Hon. Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy Legal Adviser).
In a letter dated November 1, 2025, and addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, Damagum, whose tenure is due to expire next month, said the suspensions were approved during an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC). He accused the affected officers of anti-party activities and directed their departments to operate under acting heads pending further disciplinary action.
Wike’s Camp Fires Back
In a swift retaliation, a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, suspended Ambassador Damagum and five other NWC members.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, speaking for the Wike-backed faction, announced Mohammed Abdulrahman (National Vice Chairman, North Central) as the Acting National Chairman.
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He accused Damagum of incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court orders, saying, “He has been suspended for one month and should face the disciplinary committee.”
On Monday, 3rd of October, 2025, Abdulrahman, Anyanwu, and their loyalists stormed the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, where they attempted to assume control amid protests and chants of solidarity.
Security operatives swiftly sealed off both Wadata Plaza and the Legacy House, the headquarters of the National Convention Organising Committee, to prevent escalation.
Meanwhile, Anyanwu’s faction also wrote to INEC, seeking official recognition of Abdulrahman Mohammed as the acting national chairman.
Wike Dismisses Oyo Ruling
Reacting to the Oyo judgement, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant Lere Olayinka, dismissed the ruling, insisting that the Abuja judgement remains superior.
He said, “Are you unaware of the Friday judgement of the Federal High Court? Another court now gave an ex parte order that expires in seven or at most fourteen days. Is the High Court in Ibadan an appeal court? Is that an order you should obey?”
Analysts React: PDP ‘Reaping the Fruits of Indiscipline’
Political analyst Jide Ojo told Pinnacle Daily that the unfolding crisis is a reflection of long-standing internal indiscipline within the PDP.
“The PDP is repeating the same mistakes that have haunted it for years,” Ojo said. “They are reaping the fruits of indiscipline and disregard for internal democracy.”
He advised the party to restore order and unity ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that internal wrangling could weaken its position as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
Judicial Overreach and Political Stability Concerns
Arise News’ Politics Editor, Sumner Sambo, warned that the court rulings stopping the PDP national convention could endanger Nigeria’s democracy if not carefully managed.
Speaking on the Arise Morning Show, he described the crisis as self-inflicted and urged the party to appeal the judgement to avoid chaos and a leadership vacuum.
Sambo cautioned against judicial interference in party affairs, citing a Supreme Court judgement that previously ruled against court interference in party affairs.
He stressed that such actions and internal exclusionary politics, like denying aspirants such as Sule Lamido access to forms, could further destabilise the opposition and weaken democratic order.
‘Judicial Rascality’ and the Call for Reconciliation
PDP’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, condemned the contradictory rulings from Abuja and Ibadan, describing them as “judicial rascality”.
He argued that both courts are of equal jurisdiction, and any dissatisfied party should have approached the Court of Appeal, not sought a counter-order.
“It ridicules our judicial system,” Osuoha said. “We must return to the drawing board and reconcile aggrieved members before proceeding with any convention.”
He further warned that ignoring legal procedures could invalidate the entire convention and expose the PDP to future litigation.
What Lies Ahead
In the end, the unfolding crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has laid bare its deep divisions and the fragility of its internal democracy.
With clashing court orders and rival factions trading suspensions, the party stands at a critical point, torn between legal battles and the urgent need for reconciliation.
As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP’s survival now depends on its ability to rebuild trust, enforce discipline, and rise above personal ambitions. Unless it restores unity and respects the rule of law, the once-dominant opposition may enter the next polls too fractured to challenge the ruling APC.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
