The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has extended its interim order restraining any interference with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s forthcoming National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, in his ruling on Thursday, ordered that the interim injunction earlier granted on an ex-parte motion filed by the claimant would remain in effect until Friday, when the substantive case will resume for further hearing.
After hearing submissions from counsels representing both parties, the judge adjourned proceedings to Friday for continuation.
Court Declines Joinder Application
During the session, Justice Akintola ruled on an application for joinder filed by another party in the matter, stating that it could not be entertained because the supporting affidavit was unsigned.
Counsel to the defendant, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, argued that the absence of a signature did not invalidate the application since the deponent’s identity was known, but the court maintained that the document must be properly refiled.
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Speaking with journalists after the hearing, counsel to the claimant, Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, said the error would be corrected, noting that “the court discovered that the affidavit was not signed, but the other party has indicated interest to file another one.”
Adetunmbi added that the interim injunction earlier granted remains valid and enforceable until the substantive matter is determined.
It will be recalled that the same court had earlier granted the PDP permission to proceed with its convention as scheduled, while directing the party to adhere strictly to its approved guidelines and timetable.
The claimant had sought an order restraining the Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum; the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (for himself and members of the National Convention Organising Committee); and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from halting or disrupting the convention.
PDP Insists Convention Will Hold
Meanwhile, the PDP has reiterated that its 2025 National Convention will proceed as planned this weekend in Ibadan despite what it described as “desperate attempts” by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to frustrate the event.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary and Secretary of the Publicity Sub-Committee of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP dismissed rumours of postponement as false and misleading.
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“The 2025 National Convention of the PDP has not been postponed but will go on as scheduled on Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,” the statement read.
Ologunagba accused the ruling APC of sponsoring misinformation in a failed plot to derail the opposition’s preparations, alleging that the move was aimed at destabilising democracy and imposing a one-party system.
“We are aware of the plots by the APC to destabilize the opposition and impose a one-party state in the country; a design that will be lawfully resisted,” he said.
The PDP assured its members and supporters that all arrangements for the convention were intact and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
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.
