A legal dispute surrounding the upcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken another turn after a court in Ibadan delayed its decision on a key jurisdictional argument brought before it.
The case is being handled by the Oyo State High Court, where a lawsuit was filed to challenge moves that could potentially disrupt preparations for the PDP’s convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025. The suit was initiated by party member Folahan Adelabi, who asked the court to intervene and protect the convention process from interference.
During proceedings on Friday, legal representatives presented differing interpretations of which court has the authority to hear the matter. Counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), identified as O. Adeyemi, argued that the state court lacked the constitutional power to adjudicate the issue. According to him, because INEC operates as a federal institution, cases involving the commission should be addressed exclusively by the Federal High Court.
In presenting his argument, the INEC lawyer maintained that the present court should not entertain the case, stressing that matters involving federal agencies fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court rather than a state judicial body.
However, the claimant’s counsel, Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, strongly contested this position. He argued that the attempt to remove the case from the State High Court undermines his client’s constitutional rights. He pointed to provisions within the 1999 Constitution which guarantee citizens the freedom to associate and gather peacefully, including participation in political conventions and party activities.
Adetumbi further referenced constitutional provisions relating to court jurisdiction, explaining that INEC is not among the categories of federal institutions that automatically strip state courts of the authority to hear a case.
According to Gossip News Now, after hearing both sides of the argument, Justice Ladiran Akintola decided to postpone the ruling on the preliminary objection. The judge fixed December 8, 2025, as the date when the court will determine whether it has the jurisdiction to continue hearing the case.
While the court prepares to deliver that ruling, an earlier directive remains effective. The judge reaffirmed that the interim injunction previously issued by the court still stands. That order prevents any individual or group from interfering with arrangements for the PDP national convention.
Individuals and Institutions Listed in the Lawsuit
The legal action names several parties connected to the PDP and the convention’s organization. Those listed as defendants include the following:
- The Peoples Democratic Party itself
- Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum
- Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and chairman of the convention organizing committee
- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Commentary and Political Analysis
Legal disputes within political parties often reflect deeper struggles over influence and control ahead of major elections. In this instance, the court case highlights the intense internal tensions within the PDP as it prepares for a convention that could shape the party’s leadership and strategy going into the 2027 electoral cycle.
The court’s eventual decision on jurisdiction could also set a precedent for how similar disputes involving political parties and federal institutions are handled in the future. If the State High Court retains authority over the case, it may broaden the scope for state-level courts to address internal party conflicts.
For now, the interim injunction ensures that the convention preparations continue without interruption. As political stakeholders await the December ruling, the outcome could influence not only the immediate legal dispute but also the internal dynamics within one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties.
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