Justice James Omotosho reaffirms PDP Convention Court Order, directing all parties to maintain status quo and avoid contempt pending final judgment.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed the PDP Convention Court Order, restraining all parties from taking any action on the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until the pending suit is resolved.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, warned that no individual or group should take steps capable of undermining the authority of the court.
The judge stated this during Thursday’s resumed hearing, stressing that any attempt to violate the PDP Convention Court Order would attract serious consequences.
The ruling followed an application by Chris Uche (SAN), counsel to the PDP, who complained that the status quo order had placed the party in a difficult position as it prepares for its convention. He requested the court to fast-track the hearing and determination of the case.
Responding, Justice Omotosho assured the parties that the court would conclude the case before the end of October.
He emphasized that the judiciary would not allow any party to use delay tactics to frustrate the process, insisting that the PDP Convention Court Order must be obeyed until judgment is delivered.
“The law is clear — once a case is filed and parties have been served, no one should take steps on the subject matter.
The court must not be overreached, and where that happens, the court is empowered to nullify such actions. We must all respect the rule of law,” the judge declared.
Justice Omotosho added that he personally types his judgments to ensure there are no delays. “On the day judgment is delivered, all parties will get their copies immediately,” he said.
The judge adjourned the matter to October 20 for a definite hearing, after lawyers confirmed that all necessary documents had been filed.
He also directed that all court papers must be exchanged between parties no later than October 17, to enable smooth proceedings.
However, a fresh disagreement erupted during the sitting over who should represent the PDP in court.
The party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), insisted that he was the rightful counsel for the PDP, while Chris Uche (SAN) maintained that he had not been officially debriefed.
In view of the confusion, Justice Omotosho ordered both lawyers to file the necessary legal documents to determine the authentic representative of the party.
The plaintiffs in the suit — Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Chairman, Imo PDP), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Chairman, Abia PDP), and Turnah Alabh George (Secretary, South-South PDP) — filed the action to challenge what they described as procedural irregularities in the proposed convention.
They argued that the PDP leadership violated internal democratic principles by taking unilateral decisions without proper consultation with stakeholders.
The defendants in the case include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, Emmanuel Ogidi, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), and Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary).
Justice Omotosho used the occasion to caution political actors against undermining the judicial process. He stated that the Federal High Court Abuja would not tolerate acts of self-help or defiance that could compromise justice.
“No political party or individual is above the law. When a matter is before the court, all must abide by judicial orders. The court exists to maintain peace and order, and its authority must be respected,” he said.
Legal analysts have described the reaffirmation of the PDP Convention Court Order as a crucial intervention to preserve the integrity of the democratic process within the opposition party.
By directing all parties to maintain the status quo, the court aims to prevent further escalation of internal disputes that could destabilize the PDP ahead of future elections.
Political observers note that the internal crisis within the PDP reflects deep divisions among stakeholders over the control of party structures.
Some state chairmen have accused the National Working Committee of sidelining zonal leaders in decision-making, especially regarding the planned convention.
Despite these tensions, Justice Omotosho reaffirmed his commitment to delivering justice promptly. He stressed that the PDP Convention Court Order would remain binding until the court’s final judgment, which he promised to deliver before the end of the month.
“The judiciary must act as a stabilizing force in our democracy,” he said.
“This case will be decided strictly on the law and the facts before the court.”
The judge’s remarks have been widely praised for reinforcing the sanctity of court orders. Lawyers present at the hearing commended the court’s firmness and speed in handling the politically sensitive case.
As it stands, the PDP and all other parties have no option but to comply with the PDP Convention Court Order. Any violation could invite severe legal consequences and further complicate the party’s internal challenges.
With the next hearing set for October 20, attention will remain focused on the Federal High Court Abuja as Nigerians await a judgment that may shape the immediate future of the opposition party and influence its readiness for upcoming national political contests.
Until then, the PDP Convention Court Order remains valid and enforceable, compelling all sides to maintain the status quo and await the court’s final pronouncement.
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