Wike’s PDP Faction Heads to Court to Void Ibadan Convention
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has taken fresh legal action, asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to invalidate the national convention held in Ibadan by the camp aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2025, the plaintiffs — the PDP, Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu — are urging the court to declare the November 15–16 Ibadan convention “null, void and of no effect.” They also want the Independent National Electoral Commission barred from recognising any decisions or officers produced by the exercise.
This latest lawsuit follows a series of earlier challenges by aggrieved members who argued that proceeding with the convention violated the PDP constitution, the Electoral Act, and several court rulings. Among those who had previously gone to court were Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South PDP Secretary Turnah Alabh George.
Ahead of the event, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court restrained INEC from recognising the convention, while Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the exercise could not hold until former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido — who was barred from purchasing a nomination form — was allowed to participate.
However, the Makinde-led faction secured a counter-order from Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, permitting the convention to go ahead.
Despite the conflicting judicial positions, the Ibadan convention proceeded under tight security. During the event, Anyanwu, Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and eight others were expelled from the party.
In the new suit dated November 21, the plaintiffs listed 18 defendants, including INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the State Security Service, and several PDP officials. They argue the convention was held “in flagrant disregard” of three existing Federal High Court orders and are seeking to stop the recognition of the newly elected officers, regain control of party offices at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, and compel security agencies to enforce previous judgments.
They also want the court to determine whether any authority can legally acknowledge the Ibadan convention given the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP constitution.
The matter is yet to be assigned to a judge, and no date has been fixed for hearing.
