A crucial legal battle over the Peoples Democratic Party's upcoming National Convention will reach a new stage on Monday as an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan hears a motion that could determine the fate of the political gathering.
Court Proceedings and Legal Background
The court, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, will consider the motion on notice filed by claimant Folahan Malomo Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, and other parties. This development comes after Justice Akintola's ruling last week on an ex parte application that allowed the convention to proceed as planned.
The case, numbered I/1336/2025, names several key defendants including the PDP leadership, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (representing the National Convention Organising Committee), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The claimant seeks court protection to ensure the scheduled convention proceeds without interference from the defendants.
Previous Court Orders and Rulings
In his earlier ruling, Justice Akintola directed the PDP leadership to strictly follow the established guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities for the convention. The judge emphasized that the party and its committees should conduct the elective national convention in Ibadan pending the hearing and determination of the current motion.
The court also mandated INEC to attend, monitor, and observe the convention in accordance with Electoral Act provisions. Justice Akintola noted that the claimant had demonstrated sufficient grounds for urgent judicial intervention, praising the transparency shown through the filing of both ex parte application and motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
Political Mobilization and Party Dynamics
Meanwhile, PDP governors and Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum have intensified efforts to mobilize state chairmen for full participation in the convention. This mobilization occurs against the backdrop of opposition from the Mohammed Abdulrahman-led faction, which had announced the convention's suspension pending an appeal before the Court of Appeal.
In a significant show of support, at least 29 of the party's 37 state chairmen met in Abuja on Thursday, reaffirming their loyalty to the Damagum-led National Working Committee. During the meeting attended by Damagum himself, the Forum of State Chairmen, led by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi of Edo State, declared "total support, confidence, and loyalty" to the NWC while distancing themselves from the Abdulrahman group.
Dr. Aziegbemi welcomed the ex parte order from the Oyo State High Court that cleared the path for the convention, noting that it came after an earlier restraining order from Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He urged delegates to begin preparations, emphasizing that the convention would provide an opportunity to elect "credible, competent, and loyal men and women" into the party's national leadership.
The PDP chairmen praised what they described as the "effective and collaborative leadership" of the NWC, the Board of Trustees, and the PDP Governors' Forum, noting that the synergy among these party organs has contributed significantly to the party's ongoing stabilization efforts.
