A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to nullify the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2025, was filed by the PDP faction, its Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the convention and all decisions reached there “null, void, and of no effect.”
The group also wants the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the convention or its outcomes.
Earlier Disputes and Conflicting Orders
The suit follows a series of earlier legal battles by aggrieved party members who claimed the Ibadan convention violated the PDP constitution, the Electoral Act and other statutory provisions.
Previous litigants included the Imo PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu; Abia PDP Chairman, Amah Abraham Nnanna; and South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah Alabh George.
On October 31, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order stopping INEC from recognising the convention.
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In another matter, former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, successfully challenged his exclusion from buying a nomination form for the office of national chairman. Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the convention could not proceed unless Lamido was allowed to obtain the form.
However, Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan granted an interim order that permitted the convention to go ahead as scheduled.
Despite the conflicting orders, the PDP held the convention amid heavy security. During the event, Anyanwu, Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and eight others were expelled from the party.
Fresh Court Action
In the new suit filed on November 21, the plaintiffs listed 18 defendants. The list includes INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the State Security Service and several PDP officials.
They alleged that the Ibadan convention was held “in flagrant disregard” of three existing Federal High Court orders.
The plaintiffs are seeking an order to prevent recognition of the newly elected party officers, restore access to PDP offices at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, and compel security agencies to enforce the earlier rulings.
They also want the court to determine whether any authority can validly recognise the Ibadan convention in light of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
The case has not yet been assigned to a judge, and no trial date has been scheduled.
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.
