Wike’s PDP faction seeks Court to nullify Ibadan convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has filed a fresh 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 bloc aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2025, lists the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu as plaintiffs. They are asking the court to declare the Ibadan convention and all decisions taken there as “null, void and of no effect,” arguing that it violated multiple existing court orders.

They are also seeking an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the convention or any officers produced by it.

This legal action follows earlier suits filed by other aggrieved PDP members, who insisted that going ahead with the Ibadan convention breached the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and standing judicial directives. Among those who previously challenged the process were Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South PDP Secretary Turnah Alabh George.

Before the convention, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had barred INEC from recognising the event, while another ruling by Justice Peter Lifu held that the convention could not proceed unless former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido — who was initially barred from buying a nomination form — was allowed to contest for national chairman.

However, the Makinde-backed faction secured a conflicting interim order from Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, permitting the convention to hold.

Despite the contradictory rulings, the convention proceeded in Ibadan under heavy security, during which Anyanwu, Wike, former Ekiti 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 State Security Service, and several PDP officials.

They argue that the convention was held “in flagrant disregard” of three subsisting Federal High Court orders and are seeking:
• a declaration preventing recognition of the Ibadan convention,
• restoration of access to the party’s offices at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House,
• and enforcement of previous court judgments by security agencies.

They are also asking the court to determine whether any authority can legally acknowledge the Ibadan exercise given the Constitution, Electoral Act, and PDP constitution.

The suit has not yet been assigned to a judge, and no hearing date has been scheduled.

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