By Chika Eze, Abuja
A faction of the National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the suspension of its proposed National Convention, earlier scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a recent judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the faction’s Acting National Chairman, Dr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, said its leadership has received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.
He said that its National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, had provided a comprehensive legal opinion on the matter, prompting the PDP to file an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification.
“Having filed an appeal, and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal,” Mohammed stated.
“Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.”
READ MORE: Court Halts PDP National Convention Over Breach of Electoral Guidelines
The PDP noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was a party to the suit, had been formally notified of its decision to suspend the convention in strict compliance with the court’s directive.
On the ex parte order reportedly issued by an Oyo State High Court, Mohammed clarified that such an order cannot override a substantive judgment of a Federal High Court.
“We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
The faction’s acting chairman reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to legality, fairness, and internal democracy, assuring members that the party remains united and focused.
“Let it be restated unequivocally: the PDP remains one united and indivisible family. We are strong, focused, and committed to offering credible leadership and constructive opposition in defence of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
Federal vs. State Order
Responding to questions from journalists, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, explained that while both the Federal High Court and the State High Court are of equal status, the Federal High Court’s judgment takes precedence in matters involving national institutions.
“The ex parte order from the Oyo State High Court lasts only seven days, and before that order was granted, the PDP had already filed an appeal. Once a motion is filed at a higher court, all related actions remain pending until the appeal is determined,” Anyanwu said.
READ MORE: PDP Crisis Deepens as Anyanwu Suspends National Chairman, Others
BoT Meeting and Secretariat Closure
Senator Anyanwu dismissed reports of a recent Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting as “a gathering of friends and associates,” insisting that most of those in attendance were not officially recognized BoT members.
He further explained that the PDP National Secretariat was temporarily closed following security concerns after an attempted attack on the premises.
“On November 1, after receiving intelligence about plans to attack the secretariat, I wrote to the Inspector General of Police and the DSS. The police intervened to prevent chaos, but to ensure safety, I directed all staff to stay away until normalcy is restored,” he said
Anyanwu reaffirmed the leadership’s openness to reconciliation and dialogue, noting that the Acting National Chairman is already reaching out to stakeholders to restore unity within the party.
Suspension
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had suspended four of its national officers over alleged anti-party activities on November 1.
READ ALSO: PDP Suspends National Officers Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
Those affected by the suspension were the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature; National Legal Adviser, Mr Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); and Deputy National Legal Adviser, Mr Okechukwu Osuoha.
In a counter move, Senator Anyanwu announced the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and several other National Working Committee (NWC) members for alleged anti-party activities.