A Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed an order to maintain the status quo regarding the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention, slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Justice James Omotosho warned that any attempt to flout this order or jeopardize the court’s decision would prompt consequential actions.

The judge’s statement came in response to a complaint by PDP lawyer Chris Uche, who requested a speedy hearing due to the constraints imposed by the status quo order. Justice Omotosho assured that the court would deliver a judgment by the end of October, enabling the parties involved to know their fate.

The suit, filed by three PDP members – Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George – seeks to stop the planned convention, where new national officers are expected to be elected. The defendants include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, and several party officials.

Justice Omotosho has scheduled a definite hearing for October 20, following confirmation that all necessary processes have been filed. The parties have been ordered to exchange their filed processes by October 17 to facilitate the hearing. The judge also instructed the two lawyers claiming to represent the PDP, Kamaldeen Ajibade and Chris Uche, to submit their papers for determination of the party’s proper legal representation.

The court’s decision to maintain the status quo ensures that the parties involved do not take any steps that could render the judgment nugatory. This development highlights the importance of respecting the legal process and awaiting the court’s decision, which is expected to clarify the fate of the PDP’s national convention. With the hearing scheduled for October 20, the parties involved will have to wait for the court’s judgment, which will likely have significant implications for the PDP’s future.