- the party to continue with its preparations
- Wike argued that the Abuja judgment carries greater legal weight
- The move followed a dramatic scene at the PDP national secretariat
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the ruling of an Oyo State High Court that granted permission for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to proceed with its planned national convention on November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Justice Ladiran Akintola granted an ex parte order allowing Folahan Adelabi’s party to proceed with preparations and directing INEC to observe, with the case adjourned to November 10 for hearing.
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However, this ruling directly contradicts an earlier Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, where Justice James Omotosho restrained the PDP from holding the same convention until it complies with its internal rules, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act, including the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC.
That Abuja suit had been filed by Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South PDP Secretary). Justice Omotosho also barred INEC from recognising any convention not conducted in line with due process.
Despite this, the Oyo court insisted that the PDP’s planned timetable should stand and that INEC must attend and monitor the event.
Reacting, Wike argued that the Abuja judgment carries greater legal weight and invalidates the Oyo ruling.
Speaking through his aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister said: “A Federal High Court gave a judgment last Friday, and now a High Court is issuing an ex parte order? Such orders last only a few days. The Ibadan court isn’t an appellate court. A judgment is superior to an interim order. INEC has been barred from attending, so what kind of convention will they hold?”
Meanwhile, the PDP leadership crisis has worsened, as Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum formally notified INEC of the suspension of National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and four senior officials over alleged anti-party conduct.
Their suspension, which followed a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on November 1, includes: Senator Samuel Anyanwu – National Secretary, Umar Bature – National Organising Secretary, Kamaldeen Ajibade – National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha – Deputy National Legal Adviser. The officials are suspended for one month pending review by the National Disciplinary Committee.
During the suspension period, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo will act as National Secretary, while departmental directors will oversee the organisation and legal divisions.
The move followed a dramatic scene at the PDP national secretariat, where Deputy National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, a member of Wike’s faction, declared himself acting national chairman and pledged to “restore grassroots leadership.”
Damagum’s suspension letter to INEC was co-signed by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and 12 other NWC members, signalling deepening divisions within the party’s hierarchy.
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