Justice Omotosho Stops Nov. 15 PDP National Convention Slated for Ibadan
A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the opposition party must first comply with the provisions of its constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution before convening the event.
The judge held that the party had failed to meet key procedural and statutory requirements necessary for the conduct of a valid national convention.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP — Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the party in Imo State; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia State PDP Chairman; and Turnah Alabh George, Secretary of the South-South PDP.
The plaintiffs argued that the proposed convention in Ibadan was being organised in breach of the party’s constitution and without proper notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
They contended that the PDP had not conducted legitimate congresses in several states, which are a prerequisite for the formation of valid delegates to participate in the national convention.
The court, after reviewing the evidence presented, agreed that the plaintiffs’ claims had merit and that the party’s internal processes leading up to the convention were flawed.
Justice Omotosho further ruled that all notices and correspondence issued solely by the National Chairman without the signature of the National Secretary were invalid, stressing that the party’s constitution requires joint endorsement by both officers. He also faulted the PDP for failing to give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice before holding such a significant political gathering.
In the judgment, the court barred the PDP and its national executives from going ahead with the Ibadan convention until all necessary congresses are held across the states and the party fully complies with legal and constitutional stipulations. INEC was also ordered not to recognise or monitor any convention conducted in defiance of the ruling.
The decision marks another setback for the PDP, which has been battling internal crises and leadership disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Legal experts say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s increasing insistence on internal democracy and due process within political parties.
As of press time, the PDP leadership had yet to issue an official statement in response to the court’s decision. However, sources within the party indicated that the National Working Committee may appeal the ruling in an effort to save the convention and maintain its election timetable.
