Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed that his order maintaining the status quo over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention remains in force, warning that any attempt to flout it would attract consequential sanctions.
The ruling followed complaints from PDP lawyers, including Chris Uche SAN, who argued that the status quo order was restricting the party’s actions and requested a speedy hearing of the suit. Justice Omotosho insisted that no party should take steps that could jeopardize or render the court’s decision nugatory, emphasizing that self-help measures would not be tolerated.
“You and I, as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, know that once a suit is filed and parties served, no party should take any step in respect of such suit. The court must not be overreached, and where such is done, the court has power to issue a consequential order nullifying such an act,” the judge stated.
Justice Omotosho assured that judgment in the suit challenging the legality of the planned PDP National Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, would be delivered by the end of October. He added that he personally types his judgments to avoid unnecessary delays.
The court has fixed Monday, October 20, for the definite hearing of the originating summons filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and eight other defendants by three aggrieved PDP members: Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
The nine defendants in the case include INEC, PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Baturrle (National Organising Secretary), the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and individuals Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Justice Omotosho also directed that all filed processes must be exchanged by October 17 to facilitate the definitive hearing. At Thursday’s proceedings, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kamaldeen Ajibade, the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, and Chris Uche SAN maintained appearances for the party, with the judge requesting that both file papers to determine proper legal representation for PDP.
The plaintiffs’ suit seeks to halt the upcoming convention where new national officers are expected to be elected, asserting that proper legal procedures must be observed before the party proceeds with its plans.
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