A disagreement between the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, played out in open court at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. The issue arose during a hearing of a suit filed by three aggrieved members seeking to stop the party’s planned National Convention.
The suit, which was instituted by Hon Austin Nwachukwu, Imo PDP chairman, Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia PDP chairman, and Turnah Alabh George, PDP Secretary, South-South, aims to prevent the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The plaintiffs are seeking to halt the election of new National Officers.
At the hearing, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, announced his appearance for the PDP, claiming to have a letter from the National Chairman appointing him to represent the party. However, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, countered that he was the sole authority vested with the power to appoint legal representation for the party, citing the PDP Constitution and relevant judgments.
The disagreement prompted Justice James Omotosho to stand down the hearing for ten minutes to allow the National Chairman and the National Legal Adviser to resolve their differences. However, they were unable to reach an agreement, leading Chris Uche, SAN, to request a short adjournment. The judge subsequently fixed Thursday, October 16, for the hearing of the matter.
During the proceedings, Justice Omotosho also joined Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants in the suit. The joinder request was granted after their lawyers argued that they were necessary parties who would be affected by the outcome of the case.
The development highlights the ongoing crisis of confidence within the PDP, which has been rocked by internal power struggles and disagreements. The party’s National Convention, scheduled for next month, is expected to be a crucial event in shaping its future leadership. The outcome of the suit and the resolution of the internal disputes will be closely watched by party members and the wider political community.
