PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike’s Faction Petitions NJC Over Conflicting Court Orders on Ibadan Convention
The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) assumed a new dimension on Monday as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, lodged a petition before the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court.
The petition challenges Justice Akintola’s ex parte order authorising the PDP to proceed with its national convention in Ibadan on 15–16 November 2025, notwithstanding an earlier restraining order issued by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Two weeks earlier, Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Division had barred the PDP from holding the convention, citing non‑compliance with internal party procedures and failure to issue the statutory 21‑day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required under the Electoral Act.
In contrast, Justice Akintola granted leave for the convention to proceed, thereby creating conflicting judicial directives. This divergence has further polarised the party, with suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu leading the Wike‑aligned faction, while acting National Chairman Umar Damagum heads the opposing camp.
In their petition dated 5 November 2025 and received by the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on 6 November, petitioners Austine Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna, and Turnah George accused Justice Akintola of “judicial recklessness, impunity, and flagrant violation of established legal processes.” They argued that his order of 4 November 2025 directly conflicted with the Abuja court’s ruling of 31 October 2025 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Nwachukwu, who appeared with Nnanna, warned that such contradictory rulings undermine judicial integrity and risk eroding public confidence in the justice system. The petitioners urged the NJC to investigate and impose disciplinary sanctions, referencing similar swift actions taken against judicial officers in Rivers, Imo, and other states.
Meanwhile, Justice Akintola adjourned hearing on the Motion on Notice in a related suit filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, Damagum, and others to 12 November 2025. Adelabi seeks injunctive relief restraining the defendants—including Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, chair of the National Convention Organising Committee, and INEC—from frustrating the convention.
Justice Akintola directed all parties to file outstanding processes and ordered strict compliance with the PDP’s guidelines and timetable for the convention. Journalists were barred from the courtroom as security operatives restricted access.
The conflicting rulings underscore the deepening leadership crisis within the PDP, now caught between divergent judicial pronouncements. While Justice Akintola’s order permits the convention, Justice Omotosho’s Abuja ruling insists on compliance with the PDP Constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act before any convention can be validly held.
