PDP Halts Ibadan Convention After Court Ruling, Files Appeal to Uphold Rule of Law

|By Adejumo Adekunle

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulrahman Mohammed, has suspended the party’s proposed national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Mohammed announced the suspension on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja, alongside the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

He explained that the decision came after the party received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

“Our National Legal Adviser, Ajibade K.A. (SAN), has reviewed the judgment and provided a comprehensive legal opinion on its implications,” Mohammed said. “In line with due process and our commitment to fairness, the PDP has filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, members, and Nigerian democracy.”

The Acting Chairman stressed that proceeding with the Ibadan convention at this stage would violate the rule of law. He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was a party to the suit, had been formally notified of the party’s decision to suspend the event in compliance with the court directive.

Mohammed also referenced an ex-parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State, clarifying that such an order cannot supersede a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court.

“We shall continue to act strictly in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he reaffirmed.

The PDP leadership emphasized that the suspension was a proactive step to maintain legal and institutional integrity while awaiting the appellate court’s decision.