PDP Drops Legal Adviser in Suit to Halt National Convention
By: Abudu Olalekan
Drama in Abuja’s Federal High Court. The Peoples Democratic Party just pulled the rug from under its own top lawyer. Boom. Dropped.
National Working Committee says Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN—their National Legal Adviser—is out. Why? Alleged compromise. This, smack in the middle of a fierce legal battle to block the PDP’s big national convention. Set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Stakes? Sky high.
Picture this: October 13 letter. Straight to the court’s Deputy Registrar. Signed by National Chairman Umar Damagum and 13 NWC bigwigs. They name Chris Uche, SAN, as the new guy in the hot seat. Reportersroom got the exclusive scoop Friday. Court received it Thursday.
Meanwhile, NEC heavyweights aren’t backing down. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor. Former South West Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso. They’re all in. “Convention marches on,” they declare. Pending court’s word, of course. Party constitution rules the day. Internal democracy first.
Flashback. Months of infighting. July 24, 101st NEC meeting. Boom—resolution. Reform PDP. Reposition it. Elective convention in Ibadan. Elect 19 new NWC members. Fresh blood.
But wait. Nyesom Wike’s camp? Fuming. Minister of FCT’s allies slam Damagum’s NWC. Disputes over South-South zonal leadership. Party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau. That micro-zoning formula for the convention? Red flag.
Warnings fly. “Revisit resolutions—or convention dies.” They’ve sued. Plaintiffs: Imo PDP Chair Hon. Austin Nwachukwu. Abia Chair Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna. South-South Zone Secretary Turnah Alabah George.
Tuesday hearing. Justice James Omotosho presiding. Both Ajibade and Uche claim PDP rep status. Judge’s call: File your papers. We’ll decide who’s legit. Adjournment to Monday, October 20. Substantive suit. All motions.
Warning shot from the bench. “No undermining this court.” Exchange processes by October 17. Fast-track it.
Then, the bombshell letter. Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025. NWC clarifies: Ajibade’s gone. Compromised stance. Hurts party interests.
It reads, in part: “We… affirm… Chief Chris Uche SAN [as] external solicitor… unanimous NWC resolution.” Cites PDP Constitution Sections 29, 31. NWC calls shots. Binding on all.
Stemmed from 607th NWC meeting, September 30. Ajibade’s “continuing compromising position” in party cases. Ouch.
Exclusive with Reportersroom Friday. Osadolor: “Counterforces everywhere. Some want PDP to crash. Others? Stick to the book. Convention? Fixed. No postponement. Prep ongoing.”
Court hasn’t stopped it yet. “Only judges can.” Plea: “Don’t let judiciary be tool for power brokers.” Urges reconciliation. “Victory over family? Pyrrhic. Come down from high horses. Middle ground. For the party.”
Olafeso chimes in. “Good, bad, ugly—always been.” PDP’s fight? Better Nigeria. Since anti-military days. “Some chase quick wins. Us? Forward march.”
By January? “New PDP. Reformed. Radiating change.” Undistracted. “Too late for them. Tide of change unstoppable.” Advice: “End shenanigans. Join rebuild.” Room for all.
PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha? “No prejudiced talk. Uphold court status quo.”
Calls to National Publicity Sec Debo Ologunagba? Ajibade? Went nowhere. Lines dead.
This PDP saga? Pure theater. Convention hangs by thread. Will Wike’s push prevail? Or does reform win? Stay tuned. Reportersroom has you covered.
