The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Monday after a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) over an ex parte order issued by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court permitting the party to proceed with its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.
The petition, filed by Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George, accuses Justice Akintola of judicial misconduct for issuing an order that allegedly contradicts an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Two weeks ago, Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Division had restrained the PDP from holding the convention, citing non-compliance with procedures requiring statutory notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ruling also warned INEC not to recognise any convention that does not meet constitutional and party guidelines.
However, Justice Akintola granted a counter-order on November 4, allowing the convention to proceed in Ibadan — a move the petitioners describe as “judicial recklessness” and “a flagrant abuse of due process.”
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Nwachukwu said the conflicting orders have not only deepened internal division but also risk undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
“This disturbing development not only threatens the integrity of the justice system, it also sets a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public trust,” he said, urging the NJC to investigate and take disciplinary action. He warned that failure to sanction such conduct would embolden what he described as “rogue judicial behaviour.”
The PDP has been sharply divided between the faction led by suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu — widely seen as aligned with Wike — and the camp led by the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.
Meanwhile, Justice Akintola, on Monday, adjourned hearing on the Motion on Notice in a related suit filed by Folahan Adelabi, who is seeking to prevent party leaders from obstructing the proposed convention. The judge directed all parties to file outstanding processes and ordered strict adherence to the PDP’s earlier published timetable and guidelines.
Journalists, however, were denied entry into the courtroom as security operatives mounted a blockade at the entrance.
The conflicting judicial directives now place the PDP in a precarious legal bind — with one court permitting the convention and another barring it until due process is fulfilled. The issue is expected to determine not just the convention’s fate, but the party’s larger power balance heading into 2027.
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