Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 31 for judgment in a lawsuit seeking to stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention next month.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice James Omotosho set the date after hearing final arguments on Tuesday from lawyers representing both the PDP and three of its senior members who filed the case. The plaintiffs — Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George — are challenging the legality of the planned convention, saying it violates the party’s constitution and Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

The three party officials, who hold key positions in their respective zones, argue that the PDP failed to conduct valid congresses in 14 states before announcing the national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. They insist that the absence of valid state congresses makes the proposed convention unlawful.

Through their counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, the plaintiffs urged the court to halt all preparations for the convention until the party complies with its internal rules and national electoral laws. Daudu told the court that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must verify and monitor internal party elections before a convention can legally take place.

In response, lawyers for the PDP and its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, asked the court to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction. They argued that the dispute is an internal party matter that should be resolved within the party’s structures, not in court.

Justice Omotosho reaffirmed that his earlier order for all parties to maintain the status quo remains in effect. This means the PDP cannot take any further steps toward organizing the convention until the court delivers its judgment.

“The parties are to respect the authority of the court and avoid actions that could render the judgment nugatory,” the judge said.

The ruling will determine whether the PDP can proceed with its national convention, where new national officers are expected to be elected. The event is seen as a key step in preparing the opposition party for the 2027 general elections.

If the plaintiffs win, the court may cancel or postpone the convention, forcing the PDP to organize new congresses in the affected states. But if the court sides with the party, the convention will go ahead as planned, solidifying its leadership structure ahead of the next election cycle.

Political analysts say the outcome could shape the future of internal party democracy in Nigeria. The case highlights ongoing tension between political parties’ independence and the legal framework governing their operations.

The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been grappling with internal divisions and leadership disputes since losing power in 2015. Its upcoming convention is expected to produce new leaders who will steer the party toward rebuilding its national influence.

The October 31 judgment will be closely watched by party members, political observers, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, as it could set a precedent for how courts interpret the legality of political party conventions in the country.