PDP in Turmoil: Damagum, Legal Adviser Clash in Court Over Convention Power Tussle

There was high drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday as a fierce power struggle played out between the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), over who has the legal authority to appoint counsel for the party.

The courtroom showdown erupted during the hearing of a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members seeking to stop the party’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Trouble began when Chris Uche (SAN) announced appearance for the PDP, relying on a letter signed by Damagum authorising him to represent the party. But in a swift counter move, Ajibade also announced appearance for the PDP, declaring that only his office is empowered by the party’s constitution to engage legal representation.

The clash threw the courtroom into confusion as both senior lawyers stood their ground before Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter.

Visibly irritated by the drama, Justice Omotosho halted proceedings for 10 minutes, directing the warring party leaders to “put their house in order.” Yet, when the court reconvened, the internal crisis remained unresolved.

Uche later requested a short adjournment to allow both sides attempt reconciliation, while Joseph Daudu (SAN), counsel to the plaintiffs, urged the court to proceed with the matter if the PDP fails to resolve its leadership dispute.

Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the case till Thursday, October 16.

The judge also granted applications joining Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi as the 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

The trio, represented by senior lawyers Paul Erokoro (SAN) and Audu Anuga (SAN), argued that they were necessary parties since the outcome of the suit could affect their positions within the PDP.

Daudu opposed their inclusion, saying the plaintiffs sought no relief against them, but the court overruled him and ordered the plaintiffs to amend their court documents.

The plaintiffs—Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah George (South-South PDP secretary)—are said to be allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

They are challenging the legality of the upcoming convention and asking the court to restrain the party from holding it.

Also joined as defendants are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).