PDP convention suit stalls in Abuja as two senior lawyers clash over who represents the party, forcing the judge to adjourn proceedings till Thursday
PDP convention suit proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja were dramatically halted on Tuesday after a heated confrontation between two senior lawyers claiming to represent the Peoples Democratic Party, forcing the judge to adjourn the case till Thursday.
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Justice James Omotosho presided over the tense session, which centred on conflicting claims by Chris Uche (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) over who had the lawful authority to appear for the party in the PDP convention suit.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by the PDP Imo State Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu; Abia State Chairman, Amah Nnanna; and South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George.
They are seeking to stop the party’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The plaintiffs also asked the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from monitoring the convention, alleging violations of the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
They claimed that the party’s leadership sidelined them in what they described as “illegal and unconstitutional” preparations for the convention.
Trouble began when Uche told the court he had received instructions directly from the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to represent the party.
Ajibade immediately objected, insisting that only the National Legal Adviser, a position he holds, is empowered by the party’s constitution to brief external counsel.
The courtroom drama intensified as both lawyers traded words, prompting Justice Omotosho to order a brief recess for them to reconcile.
However, when the session resumed, Uche informed the court that no agreement had been reached, while Ajibade accused some individuals of threatening him during the break.
Amid the chaos, the judge urged calm, describing the internal rift as “unnecessary and avoidable,” and granted a short adjournment to allow the PDP leadership to resolve the matter internally.
The court also ruled on two joinder applications, approving the inclusion of PDP National Chairman Damagum, South-East Zonal Vice Chairman Ali Odefa, and party chieftain Emmanuel Ogidi as additional defendants.
Justice Omotosho stressed that the court would not tolerate further delays, warning that judicial processes must not be undermined by political conflicts.
“The court will give the party a final opportunity to resolve its internal differences,” he said firmly. “If they fail to do so, proceedings will continue without hesitation.”
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The PDP convention suit is now expected to continue on Thursday, October 16, when the substantive case and all pending motions will be heard.
