The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to nullify the party’s national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16 by the group loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2025, lists the PDP, Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu as plaintiffs. They are asking the court to declare the Ibadan convention and all its resolutions “null, void, and of no effect,” and to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising it.
The action follows earlier lawsuits by aggrieved PDP members who argued that holding the convention violated party rules, the Electoral Act, and other statutory provisions. Previous litigants include Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South PDP Secretary Turnah Alabh George.
On October 31, 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court restrained INEC from recognising the convention. In a separate case, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido won a ruling from Justice Peter Lifu, who ordered that the convention could not proceed unless Lamido was allowed to purchase a nomination form for the national chairmanship.
However, Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court granted an interim order permitting the Ibadan convention to go ahead. Despite the conflicting judgments, the event was held under heavy security, during which Anyanwu, Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and eight others were expelled.
In the new suit dated November 21, the plaintiffs named 18 defendants, including INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services, and several PDP officials. They allege the convention was held in “flagrant disregard” of three Federal High Court orders.
They are asking the court to prevent recognition of the newly elected officers, restore their access to the PDP secretariats at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, and compel security agencies to enforce earlier judgments.
The suit also seeks clarification on whether any authority can legally recognise the Ibadan convention in light of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP constitution.
The case has not yet been assigned to a judge, and no hearing date has been scheduled.