The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in significant legal battles and internal dissent concerning its planned National Convention, slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Despite a Federal High Court order restraining the convention and ongoing internal party struggles, the PDP leadership has affirmed its resolve to proceed with preparations, setting the stage for further confrontations.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, issued a stringent order on Friday, barring the PDP from holding its convention and prohibiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or publishing any outcome from the event. The judge predicated his decision on the PDP's failure to adhere to relevant conditions and laws governing such conventions. Key breaches identified included the party's inability to hold valid congresses in several states to elect delegates, as mandated by law. Furthermore, official notices and correspondences signed solely by the National Chairman, without the required co-signature of the National Secretary, were declared invalid and a nullity. The court also faulted the PDP for not issuing the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before convening meetings and congresses, thereby hindering the commission's oversight duties. Justice Omotosho clarified that the case transcended mere internal party affairs, emphasizing its implications for compliance with electoral laws. He advised the PDP to rectify these infractions before attempting to hold the election. This suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025) was initiated by three aggrieved members: Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South), who are reportedly allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In immediate reaction to Justice Omotosho's judgment, Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, denounced the ruling as an "assault on Nigeria’s democratic process." However, Ologunagba declared that the court's decision does not impede the party's capacity to continue with processes and activities towards its National Convention to elect new National Officers. He cited a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs as justification for their stance. The PDP has charged its members, chapters, and organs to remain steadfast and focused on convention preparations, with Ologunagba confirming that the party's lawyers have been directed to immediately appeal the judgment in its determination to uphold multi-party democracy. During earlier proceedings, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, the acting National Chairman, and Eyitayo Jegede, representing the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), had argued that the courts lacked jurisdiction over the internal affairs of the party, as convention and congress issues are internal party matters.

Adding to the legal complexities, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on the same Friday, declined to grant an application filed by former Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State. Lamido's motion ex-parte sought an interim order to restrain the PDP from proceeding with its scheduled national convention, pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice. Instead, Justice Lifu ordered the PDP and INEC, the defendants in Lamido's suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025), to appear and "show cause" within 72 hours from the date of service why the ex-governor's reliefs should not be granted. The matter was adjourned until November 6 for further hearing. Lamido asserted that the PDP would be violating its constitution by proceeding, thereby denying him the opportunity to contest for the national chairman position, for which he claimed to be eminently qualified.

Beyond the courtroom, the PDP is confronting severe internal divisions, notably from federal lawmakers representing the Southeast region. These lawmakers, led by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, have issued a threat to boycott the convention over what they describe as an attempt to rezone the position of National Woman Leader from the Southeast to the South-South. Ugochinyere accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of orchestrating this alteration to the existing zoning arrangement, which he deemed an act to humiliate and alienate the Southeast within the party. The lawmakers stated that the position was initially zoned to the Southeast, with Imo State expected to produce the next National Woman Leader. They argued that the defection of former Governor Peter Mbah (who allegedly influenced previous zoning to his state) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) invalidates any prior arrangement, thereby restoring Imo State's legitimate claim. The legislators warned that failure to reverse this plan before the upcoming screening exercise could lead to further internal disunity and mass defections, appealing to Governors Makinde and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to intervene.

Amidst these unfolding legal and political challenges, the PDP's National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), chaired by Governor Umaru Fintiri, announced the postponement of the screening of aspirants. This screening, originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, was deferred due to "unforeseen circumstances," further highlighting the precarious situation surrounding the party's highest decision-making gathering.