Federal High Court Halts PDP National Convention Over Invalid Congresses

The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its much-anticipated national convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan.

In a landmark judgment delivered today, Justice James Omotosho ruled in favour of Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chair), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP Chair), and Turnah George (South-South PDP Secretary), who argued that the party failed to conduct mandatory ward, local government, and state congresses in 14 states, rendering the planned convention unconstitutional.

The court held that the PDP’s notice of convention was invalid under Article 47 of its Constitution and Section 85 of the Electoral Act, which require INEC-monitored congresses before any national exercise.

The ruling effectively bars the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Acting Chairman Umar Damagum from proceeding with preparations for the convention.

In a related development, Justice Peter Lifu of the same court, presiding over a separate suit filed by former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido (FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025), ordered the PDP and INEC to show cause within 72 hours for allegedly denying Lamido access to nomination forms for the chairmanship race.

While Lifu stopped short of halting the convention outright, his ruling sets the stage for another potential setback pending the November 6 hearing.

The twin judgments have thrown the PDP into crisis, with the anti-Damagum bloc celebrating the decision as a “victory for internal democracy,” while loyalists of the acting chairman vow to appeal immediately.

Analysts warn that the ruling could deepen the party’s internal fractures ahead of the 2027 elections, as rival factions struggle for control of Nigeria’s main opposition platform.