Court Clears PDP to Hold National Convention in Ibadan

The ruling came after the court issued an interim order allowing the party to hold the convention as planned in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the ruling delivered by Justice A.L. Akintola directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to monitor and observe the proceedings of the convention. This order stands pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice, which will be considered in court on November 10, 2025.

The ruling followed an ex parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi, who sought to prevent the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Governor Umaru Fintiri (representing the National Convention Organising Committee), and INEC from disrupting or altering the schedule leading up to the convention.

Adelabi argued that the PDP’s plans should not be undermined, and Justice Akintola agreed, stating that the claimant had successfully demonstrated the need for urgent judicial intervention. The judge granted the requested interim orders, ensuring that the PDP’s convention process would proceed as planned without interference.

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In the court’s order, issued on November 3, 2025, the judge stated: “The court finds merit in the claimant’s motion ex parte. The same succeeds and is hereby ordered as prayed.”

This ruling comes despite an earlier decision by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. On Friday, November 1, Justice Omotosho had halted the PDP’s planned convention, citing concerns over the party’s compliance with statutory requirements, including the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. Omotosho also ordered INEC not to accept any report on the convention’s outcome unless the party adheres to due process.

In response to the Federal High Court ruling, the PDP quickly rejected the judgment. National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed the court’s decision, asserting that it did not invalidate the party’s ability to continue preparations for the convention. Ologunagba criticized the judgment as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic processes” and announced that the PDP would appeal the decision.

The PDP’s legal and leadership battles are now unfolding alongside heightened security measures in Abuja, as the party moves closer to its highly anticipated convention.

Source: Channels