PDP Dismisses Legal Advisor in Bid to Halt Convention

Leadership Changes and Legal Battles in the PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has undergone a significant shift in its leadership structure, particularly in its legal representation. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has removed Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, as the National Legal Adviser due to allegations of compromising the party’s interests during the ongoing legal battle concerning the upcoming national convention. This decision was made public through a letter dated October 13, which was addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court.

In the letter, signed by the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, along with 13 other NWC members, it was announced that Chris Uche, SAN, would be appointed as the new legal representative for the party in court. The letter was received by the court on Thursday and was exclusively obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday.

Meanwhile, members of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, have reaffirmed their commitment to proceeding with the preparations for the national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. They emphasized that the party’s constitution and internal democracy must guide all preparatory activities leading up to the event.

The PDP had previously resolved at its 101st National Executive Committee meeting held on July 24 to reform and reposition the party through a National Elective Convention in Ibadan. This event is expected to see the election of 19 new members of the National Working Committee.

However, allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have expressed dissatisfaction with the Umar Damagum-led NWC over disputes related to the South-South zonal leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the micro-zoning formula for the upcoming convention.

Wike’s supporters have warned that the planned convention could be jeopardized if the party fails to revisit some of its recent resolutions. They have already taken legal action to halt the exercise.

The plaintiffs in the suit include Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the PDP in Imo State; Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the PDP in Abia State; and Turnah Alabah George, Secretary of the PDP South-South Zone. At the hearing on Tuesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, scheduled October 16 for the continuation of the case.

When both Ajibade SAN and Uche SAN laid claim to representing the PDP, the judge instructed them to file their respective legal documents so the court could determine who is duly authorized to represent the party. Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter to Monday, October 20, for the hearing of the substantive suit and related motions.

He cautioned all parties against any actions that could undermine the court’s authority, directing that all filed processes be exchanged by October 17 to ensure an expedited hearing.

In a letter titled Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 – Hon. Austine Nwachukwu and 2 Ors vs Independent National Electoral Commission and 5 Ors (Re: Letter of Instructions), the PDP National Working Committee clarified that Ajibade SAN was removed for taking a compromised stance contrary to the party’s interest.

Reacting in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online on Friday, Osadolor said recent developments indicate that certain counterforces are working against the PDP National Convention. He stated that while there are various reasons for the opposition, the Ibadan convention remains fixed, and preparations are ongoing.

Olafeso, during an exclusive interview with our correspondent, stated that the PDP is making progress. He encouraged members to work alongside other stakeholders in rebuilding a stronger party and a better Nigeria. He added that the party is moving forward, and nothing can stop its convention.

When reached for comment, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, warned against making prejudiced statements and advised party leaders to uphold the status quo as ordered by the Court.

Attempts to obtain reactions from the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and Ajibade were unsuccessful, as their phone lines were unreachable.