PDP Convention: Court Reaffirms Order for Parties to Maintain Status Quo
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reaffirmed its earlier order directing all parties in the ongoing legal dispute over the planned National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Justice James Omotosho, who gave the reminder on Thursday, emphasized that the order remains valid and binding on all parties involved in the matter.
He cautioned that no individual or group must take any step capable of undermining or rendering the eventual decision of the court ineffective.
The judge warned that the court would not hesitate to make consequential orders against any party that resorts to self-help or acts in contempt of the subsisting directive.
Justice Omotosho’s remarks followed a complaint by one of the PDP’s counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who told the court that his client was being constrained by the order to maintain the status quo and, as such, requested an accelerated hearing of the suit.
Responding, Justice Omotosho assured the parties that the matter would be given priority treatment, adding that the court was determined to deliver judgment before the end of October.
“This court will do everything possible to ensure that judgment is delivered before the end of October. The order to maintain the status quo remains in force and must be respected by all parties,” the judge stated.
The ongoing suit revolves around internal disputes within the PDP over the conduct and scheduling of its forthcoming national convention, which is expected to produce new members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
With the reaffirmation of the status quo order, all political activities related to the convention remain on hold until the court reaches a final decision on the substantive issues.
Observers note that the court’s ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring due process and preventing political actions that could prejudice ongoing cases or destabilize party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
