A legal battle has erupted within Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, as 83 dissenting members challenge the legitimacy of a recent leadership election. The group, led by Lambert Eze, filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Owerri against state party chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Nigeria’s electoral commission (INEC), the PDP’s national body, and ten other individuals, including local caretaker leaders. The plaintiffs allege the August 31, 2024, state congress—which installed Nwachukwu and his executive team—was conducted unlawfully, excluding delegates from Ideato North and South local government areas.
Central to the dispute are claims that the PDP violated its own constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022 by barring duly elected representatives from participating in the leadership vote. The plaintiffs argue the exclusion rendered the congress outcomes “unlawful, null, and void,” and seek a court order to invalidate the results, disband the current executives, and mandate a fresh, inclusive election. They also demand an injunction preventing Nwachukwu and others from acting as party officials pending resolution.
Among the named defendants are Hon. Chris Ozoemenam and Hon. Dr. Sylvester Durukwuaku, caretaker leaders in the excluded regions, suggesting internal divisions over party governance. The suit, numbered FHC/OW/CS/51/2025 and filed by lawyer K.U. Alisigwe, underscores growing tensions within the PDP, a key opposition force in Nigeria’s southeast. Analysts note the case could set precedents for intra-party democracy, particularly regarding delegate inclusion and adherence to electoral guidelines.
While INEC’s role in overseeing the congress remains unclear, its inclusion as a defendant highlights scrutiny of the commission’s oversight mechanisms. The PDP, which has faced similar internal disputes in other states, has yet to publicly address the allegations. Legal experts suggest the court’s decision could hinge on whether procedural missteps materially impacted the election’s fairness.
The outcome may have broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, as the PDP seeks to consolidate influence ahead of future elections. For now, the plaintiffs’ push for a revote reflects deeper concerns about transparency in party leadership selection—a recurring issue in Nigerian politics, where internal rifts often spill into public view. As the case unfolds, observers await responses from the defendants and potential rulings that could reshape Imo PDP’s hierarchy.
