Federal High Court Pauses PDP Leadership Crisis Proceedings, Awaits Appeal Court Decision
The Federal High Court located in Abuja has officially suspended all further proceedings in the ongoing leadership crisis that is currently rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This significant judicial decision was made to await a forthcoming judgment from the Court of Appeal, highlighting the complex legal battle within Nigeria's major opposition party.
Judge's Ruling and Legal Basis for the Stay of Proceedings
In a detailed ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik explained that the court is legally constrained to stay the proceedings. This action follows the proper filing of a notice of appeal by a faction of the PDP, which is led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Kabiru Turaki. Justice Abdulmalik emphasized that once a notice of appeal has been duly filed and the record of appeal transmitted, the trial court is required by law to exercise restraint. The court must refrain from taking any further steps that could potentially affect the subject matter of the appeal, ensuring a fair and orderly judicial process.
Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the substantive suit to February 20 for mention, marking a temporary halt in the legal proceedings. The suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025, seeks to nullify the outcome of the PDP National Convention that was held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16. This legal challenge was instituted by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who serve as the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the PDP bloc loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Details of the Lawsuit and Parties Involved
The defendants listed in this high-profile case include individuals who were elected at the contentious Ibadan convention, alongside key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, and the State Security Service (SSS). The plaintiffs have put forward several critical requests to the court, aiming to address the leadership vacuum and internal conflicts within the PDP.
Specifically, the plaintiffs are seeking an order of injunction to restrain the 5th to 25th defendants, who emerged from the Ibadan convention, from parading or presenting themselves as officers or representatives of the PDP in any capacity. They have also urged the court to bar INEC from recognising or treating these convention-elected officials as legitimate party representatives, which could have significant implications for future electoral processes.
Additional Legal Prayers and Security Concerns
In addition to these primary requests, the plaintiffs have prayed the court to restrain the defendants from allegedly invading the party's national headquarters. They further seek to prohibit INEC from recognising any address as the PDP national secretariat other than the established locations of Wadata Plaza in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, and Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja. This move aims to solidify control over the party's administrative centers and prevent further factional disputes.
Moreover, the plaintiffs have requested a mandatory injunction directing the security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, and the SSS, to provide adequate security for the plaintiffs and their successors. This security measure is intended to ensure that they can conduct the party's affairs safely at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, thereby maintaining order and stability within the PDP during this turbulent period.
This legal development underscores the deep-seated divisions within the PDP and the intricate interplay between political leadership, judicial oversight, and electoral integrity in Nigeria. The outcome of the appeal court's judgment will be closely watched, as it could significantly influence the party's future direction and its role in the nation's political landscape.
