Table of Contents
- Court Adjournment
- Party Convention Schedule
- Legal Arguments
- Judge's Decision
- Defendants in the Suit
- Federal Court Order
- Party Crisis
The Oyo State High Court, located in Ibadan, has postponed its ruling on a preliminary objection questioning its jurisdiction in a case brought by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the party's national convention.
According to DAILY POST, the convention is set to occur on Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Ibadan.
The lawsuit was initiated by Mr. Folahan Adelabi, a member of the PDP.
During the hearing on Friday, O. Adeyemi, the lawyer representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), argued that INEC, as a Federal Government agency, is only subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
He requested that the court dismiss the case due to lack of jurisdiction.
In response, the claimant's attorney, Musibau Adetumbi, contested the objection, asserting that the argument violated the claimant's fundamental rights.
He stated that the 1999 Constitution ensures the right to lawful assembly and convention.
Citing Section 251 of the Constitution, Adetumbi argued that INEC does not fall into the category of agencies that would necessitate the case being exclusively brought before the Federal High Court.
He urged the court to reject the objection and continue with the main suit.
After hearing arguments from both parties, the presiding judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola, postponed the ruling until December 8, 2025.
He also reiterated that the interim order previously granted, which prohibits the defendants from disrupting or interfering with the preparations for the PDP national convention, remains in effect.
The defendants in this case include the PDP (first defendant), its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun (second defendant), and the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who chairs the PDP Convention Organizing Committee (third defendant).
It is noteworthy that the same court had previously extended its interim order against any interference with the planned convention until a further hearing, ensuring that the event proceeds as planned.
This adjournment coincided with Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issuing a final order prohibiting the PDP from moving forward with the convention.
In a ruling on a lawsuit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Justice Lifu ordered that the PDP must not proceed with the convention until it adheres to its constitutional requirements and guidelines for the convention.
Additionally, he mandated that the convention be halted until Lamido is permitted to purchase a nomination form for the position of national chairman.
The disputes surrounding the upcoming convention, intended to elect national officers of the PDP, have further intensified the internal crisis within the party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the court's adjournment?
The court adjourned its ruling on a preliminary objection regarding its jurisdiction in a case concerning the PDP's national convention.
When is the PDP's national convention scheduled?
The national convention is scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025.
Who are the defendants in the suit?
The defendants include the PDP, its acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, and the Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
What did the Federal High Court order regarding the convention?
The Federal High Court ordered that the PDP must not proceed with the convention until it complies with its constitution and guidelines.
