The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to shelve plans for a National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, later this month November 15-16.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC from recognising the proposed convention and its outcome.
Hailing the judgement, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday gave conditions to resolve the impasse currently barring the convention from holding.
Justice James Omotosho gave the order on Friday in a suit filed by Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Zonal Secretary, South-South) praying the Court amongst others:
– That properly conducted State Congresses were not held in 14 states
– That the planned National Convention holding in Ibadan from November 15-16 be rescheduled pending when valid Congresses are held in the affected States.
The persons sued are: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the party, Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the party, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party as 1st to 6th defendants.
Others joined in the suit are Umar Damagum, the PDP National Chairman; Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi as 7th, 8th and 9th defendants respectively.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday hosted a meeting of Concerned PDP Stakeholders at his Life Camp residence in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the Minister said the group was pleased to have “fought against impunity” within the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike was reacting to the recent judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which stopped the planned PDP National Convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, citing non-compliance with statutory party requirements, the constitution, and the Electoral Act.
Describing the development as “unfortunate,” the Minister accused the party’s leadership of failing to carry key members along in decision-making processes.
He expressed concern over what he called the “steady decline” of the PDP, blaming it on arrogance and impunity among its top leaders.
“The current leadership has violated the core values of our great party,” Wike said, adding that the concerned stakeholders would resist any attempt to undermine the party’s integrity.
The Minister, however, emphasised that the group remained open to dialogue, expressing willingness to engage in talks that could resolve the ongoing crisis and restore lasting peace within the party.
Those in attendance included the PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, serving and past lawmakers from across the country, as well as party executives and state-level leaders.
