Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has faulted Tuesday’s decision of an Oyo State High Court, which approved the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to proceed with its planned national convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.
Conflicting Court Orders
Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo High Court, while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Folahan Adelabi in suit number I/1336/2025, permitted the PDP to go ahead with preparations for its convention and adjourned the matter to November 10 for further hearing.
However, the ruling directly contradicts an earlier judgement delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained the PDP from holding the convention pending compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The Abuja case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was instituted 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 ordered 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 INEC from recognising or attending any convention not conducted in line with the law and due process.
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Oyo Court Upholds Convention
In his ruling, Justice Akintola directed the PDP to adhere strictly to its earlier timetable and conduct the convention as planned in Ibadan. He also ordered INEC to attend and monitor the event in compliance with the Electoral Act.
The judge held that the claimant had demonstrated sufficient grounds for judicial intervention, describing the approach as transparent. The certified true copy of the order, signed by Principal Registrar S. O. Hammed, was issued on November 3, 2025.
Wike Dismisses Oyo Ruling
Reacting through his Senior Special Assistant, Lere Olayinka, Wike dismissed the Oyo court order, maintaining that the Abuja judgment remained superior.
He said, “Are you unaware of the Friday judgment of the Federal High Court? There was a judgment on Friday. Another court now gave an ex parte order! Do you know what an ex parte order means? It expires in seven or at most 14 days. Is the High Court in Ibadan an appeal court? Is that an order you should obey?”
He added, “A court gave a judgment that INEC should not attend, and you went to Ibadan to get an ex parte order. And you’re asking whether the minister will attend?”
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.
