The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in significant legal and political turmoil following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of its forthcoming national convention. Despite this judicial setback, the party has declared its unwavering resolve to proceed with preparations for the convention, scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, asserting that the court order will not deter its activities.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court delivered a judgment that effectively nullified the PDP's preparatory actions for the convention. The ruling was predicated on the party's alleged failure to comply with relevant conditions and laws governing the conduct of such conventions. Key breaches cited by the court included the PDP's inability to conduct congresses in several states across the federation, a claim supported by evidence from INEC and some respondents. Furthermore, the court held that notices and correspondences issued by the PDP were deemed invalid because they were signed solely by the national chairman, without the mandatory co-signature of the national secretary, a requirement under Article 36(1a and b) of the PDP's Constitution. The party was also found to have failed in issuing the statutory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to INEC, thereby preventing the electoral body from performing its monitoring duties. Justice Omotosho emphasized that such non-compliance jeopardized the planned convention and advised the PDP to rectify these issues before proceeding. The suit was instituted by three aggrieved members: Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South), who argued that the matter went beyond internal party affairs and concerned INEC’s statutory duty to ensure adherence to electoral laws.

In addition to restraining INEC from accepting or recognizing the convention's outcome, Justice Omotosho’s ruling clarified other internal party matters. He affirmed Dan Orbih as the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South) and declared the purported appointment of Emmanuel Ogidi as null and void. The court also upheld the expulsion of former South-East National Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, stressing that expelled members lack the legal standing to act or litigate on behalf of the party. The judge mandated that all official correspondences with INEC must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary.

Reacting to the judgment, PDP's National Vice Chairman (South-South), Emmanuel Ogidi, stated that the party would appeal the ruling and continue with its processes, asserting confidence that the convention would hold. He described the court's decision as "like a comedy" and accused disgruntled members of working against the party's interests. Similarly, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba denounced the judgment as an "assault on Nigeria’s democratic process" and affirmed that it would not vitiate the party's ability to proceed with the convention. He referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming a political party's supremacy in managing its internal affairs and urged members to remain steadfast. The party has already directed its legal team to take immediate action to appeal the judgment.

Conversely, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a prominent figure within the PDP but currently serving in the APC government, applauded the Federal High Court's judgment. He described it as a "victory against impunity" and a "wise decision" against the party's "business-as-usual" approach. Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting, Wike accused the PDP leadership of arrogance, sidelining due process, and undermining internal democracy, leading aggrieved members to seek justice in court. He commended the plaintiffs for their courage in challenging illegality. Wike’s celebration of the ruling has intensified suspicions within the PDP regarding his motives and loyalty, with many viewing his actions as an effort to weaken the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections, given his perceived alliance with the ruling APC.

Adding to the legal complexities, another Federal High Court in Abuja, under Justice Lifu, refused to grant an ex-parte application filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who sought to restrain the PDP from proceeding with its convention due to alleged exclusion. Instead, Justice Lifu ordered the PDP and INEC to appear in court to show cause why Lamido’s reliefs should not be granted. Meanwhile, Chief Olabode George, another PDP chieftain, dismissed Justice Omotosho’s order as the "joke of the century," an "open recipe for anarchy," and a "display of judicial brigandage."

The unfolding events highlight the deep-seated internal divisions and power struggles within the PDP. Emmanuel Ogidi drew parallels to past internal crises, such as the one involving "imposter" Sheriff in 2016-2017, expressing confidence that the party would overcome the current challenges. The accusations of sidelining loyal members and using the party as a "bargaining chip" for personal gain, as articulated by Wike, underscore a profound crisis of confidence. Despite the legal battles and internal dissent, the PDP leadership maintains its commitment to the rule of law while pursuing redress and remains optimistic about the resilience and unity of the party, insisting that the national convention will proceed as planned.