The deep-seated crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated into a full-blown judicial conflict. On Monday, the faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike formally petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court. The petition challenges an ex parte order issued by Justice Akintola that permits the PDP to proceed with its national convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.
Allegations of Judicial Misconduct
The petitioners—Austine Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna, and Turnah George—accused Justice Akintola of “Judicial recklessness, impunity, and a flagrant violation of established legal processes.” Their primary contention is that the Ibadan ruling directly contradicts an earlier judgment issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Two weeks ago, Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja court had explicitly barred the PDP from proceeding with the convention in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025. The Abuja ruling cited the party’s non-compliance with internal procedures, specifically the requirement to issue the statutory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Justice Omotosho had also restrained INEC from recognizing any convention not conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral law.
However, Justice Akintola granted a countermanding order, giving the party leave to hold the convention in Ibadan.
Wike’s Camp Demands Disciplinary Action
The petition, dated November 5, 2025, and received by the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria the following day, reflects the intensifying power struggle within the PDP. The party is now effectively split between the faction loyal to Wike, led by suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and the opposing camp headed by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Imo State PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu, alongside his Abia State counterpart Amah Nnanna, stated that this disturbing judicial development not only undermines the integrity of the judiciary but risks setting a dangerous precedent.
“The NJC must reaffirm its commitment to discipline, impartiality, and the preservation of judicial integrity by ensuring that errant judicial officers are held accountable without delay,” Nwachukwu stated, calling for a swift investigation and appropriate disciplinary action, citing similar actions taken in Rivers and Imo States in the past.
The Ibadan Court Proceeds
Meanwhile, Justice Akintola forged ahead with the matter in Ibadan on Monday, where security operatives barred journalists from entering the courtroom. The judge adjourned the hearing on the Motion on Notice—filed by plaintiff Folahan Adelabi to prevent the convention from being frustrated—until Wednesday, November 12.
After listening to arguments, Justice Akintola urged all involved parties to file their outstanding processes to ensure a smooth hearing. He reiterated his directive for the PDP leadership to strictly comply with the guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities previously released for the convention, maintaining his earlier position that the convention should proceed despite the Abuja ruling.
The existence of these two diametrically opposed legal directives highlights the profound leadership crisis now gripping the PDP.
