Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reiterated that his directive to maintain the status quo regarding the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention is still in effect and must not be disregarded by any of the parties involved in the lawsuit concerning the convention.
The judge emphasized that no party should take any action that could compromise or nullify the ruling of his court and cautioned that he would be compelled to issue consequential orders against any party that resorts to self-help.
The judge made these remarks after a complaint from one of the PDP’s attorneys, Chris Uche (SAN), who stated that his client is being hindered by the order to maintain the status quo and requested a prompt hearing of the case.
During the proceedings on Thursday, the judge indicated that his court would strive to deliver a verdict before the end of October.
He cautioned that no party would be permitted to employ any tactics to delay the swift hearing of the case that questions the legality of the upcoming national convention of the party, scheduled for November 15th and 16th in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“As lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, we understand that once a lawsuit is filed regarding any matter and the parties have been served with the necessary documents, it is mandated by law that no party should take any action concerning that lawsuit.
“The court must not be circumvented, and if such actions occur, the court possesses the authority to issue consequential orders that nullify such actions. We are all aware of the law, and I urge everyone to adhere to it. It is in our mutual interest.
“In this particular case, I assure you that the court’s decision will be rendered between now and the end of October. On the day the judgment is delivered, copies will be provided to the parties involved. I personally type my judgments, so there will be no concern regarding delays,” the Judge stated.
Meanwhile, the judge has scheduled a definite hearing for the originating summons concerning the lawsuit filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and eight other parties by three dissatisfied members of the party on Monday, October 20th.
Justice Omotosho set this date after confirming that nearly all necessary documents for and against the lawsuit have been submitted.
The judge instructed that all parties must exchange the filed documents by October 17th at the latest to facilitate the definite hearing of the case.
During the proceedings, Kamaldeen Ajibade, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, reaffirmed his role as the legal representative of the PDP, while Chris Uche (SAN), also declared his representation for the same party.
The judge indicated that both should submit their documents for him to ascertain the appropriate legal representation for the PDP.
The three plaintiffs who initiated the case are Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
They filed the lawsuit aiming to prevent the scheduled National Convention of the PDP on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new National Officers are anticipated to be elected.
The nine defendants include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the party, Umar Baturrle, the National Organizing Secretary of the party, the NWC and NEC of the party, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
