The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered all parties involved in a suit challenging the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case.
The directive came on Thursday, October 16, from Justice James Omotosho, who warned that any attempt to act outside the suit’s parameters could attract strict court sanctions.
The ruling followed submissions by Chris Uche SAN, counsel to the PDP, who claimed that his client’s activities were being constrained by the ongoing litigation. Uche also requested an accelerated hearing of the matter.
“You and I, as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, know that once a suit is filed and parties are served, no party should take steps that undermine the matter before the court,” Justice Omotosho said.
“The court must not be overreached, and it has the power to nullify any such act. Let us respect the law—it is in our collective interest,” he added.
The judge assured that a ruling would be delivered before the end of October, emphasising, “On the day of the judgment, parties will receive copies. I type my own judgments, so there will be no delays.”
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Monday, October 20, was fixed for the definite hearing after the court confirmed that all parties had been duly served with processes.
To prevent further disruptions, Justice Omotosho instructed lawyers to file documents clarifying who has the authority to represent the party.
The suit was initiated by three aggrieved PDP members: Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
They are seeking to stop the National Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the election of new national officers is planned.
Defendants in the case include the PDP, its National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Baturrle, two national officers Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi, the party’s NWC and NEC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court’s directive effectively pauses any steps toward the convention until legal clarity is provided.