Drama in Court as PDP Chairman, legal adviser fight publicly over suit to stop National convention
Drama in Court as PDP Chairman, legal adviser fight publicly over suit to stop National convention
There was mild drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday as a leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) played out in open court.
The party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, clashed publicly over who has the authority to appoint legal counsel on behalf of the party.
The confrontation occurred during a hearing in a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members seeking to halt the party’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Tensions rose when renowned lawyer Chris Uche, SAN, announced his appearance for the PDP, citing a letter of authorisation signed by Damagum.
Moments later, Ajibade also addressed the court, insisting that as the party’s National Legal Adviser, only his office is empowered by the PDP constitution to appoint legal representation.
The conflicting positions created confusion before the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, with both senior lawyers refusing to back down.
Clearly surprised by the dispute, Justice Omotosho paused proceedings for about 10 minutes, instructing the party leaders to “put their house in order.” However, when the court reconvened, the disagreement remained unresolved.
Uche subsequently requested a brief adjournment to allow time for internal reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing the plaintiffs, urged the court to proceed with the matter at the next sitting should the party fail to resolve its internal issues.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to Thursday, October 16, 2025.
During the session, the court also ruled on a separate procedural matter, granting applications to join three additional individuals as defendants in the case: Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
The trio were added as the 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants through motions filed by their respective counsel, Paul Erokoro and Audu Anuga, both senior advocates.
The plaintiffs had opposed the joinder, arguing that no direct relief was sought against the three. However, Justice Omotosho ruled that they were necessary parties, given that the outcome of the suit could affect their positions in the party. He directed the plaintiffs to amend their court processes accordingly.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was brought by Austine Nwachukwu, PDP Chairman in Imo State; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of Abia State chapter; and Turnah George, the party’s South-South Zonal Secretary.
Named as the first to sixth defendants are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The plaintiffs—allegedly political allies of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—are challenging the legality of the upcoming convention and are seeking a court order to halt its conduct.
