PDP Convention: Faction Petitions CJN  Over Alleged Violation of Court Process By  Justice Akintola

In a bid to stop the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP scheduled for this weekend in Ibadan, three members of the party has petitioned the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere- Ekun over what it described as a violation of court process by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court.

The petition, dated November 5, 2025, and duly received by the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on November 6, 2025, was submitted by Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George on their own behalf as critical stakeholders of the PDP.

Addressing the press in Abuja on Monday, Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, who is the chairman of the Imo State chapter of the party said the petition raised serious concerns over what is described as acts of “judicial recklessness, impunity, and flagrant violation of established legal processes by Justice Akintola, particularly in his decision to issue an ex parte order on November 4th, permitting the conduct of the PDP National Convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

According to him “this order, according to the petitioners, directly contradicts a valid and subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered on 31st of October 2025 (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025), which had expressly restrained the PDP from holding its convention on the same dates.

“The petitioners rightly contend that Justice Akintola’s action amounts to sitting on appeal over a judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction-an act that undermines judicial hierarchy and the sanctity of the rule of law.

“This disturbing development not only threatens the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary but also risks setting a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public confidence in the justice system.

The petitioners, therefore, called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to “urgently investigate this matter and take decisive action, just as it had done in similar cases involving judicial misconduct in Rivers State, Imo State, and other jurisdictions, where they were seen to have acted promptly as soon as they received the petitions.

“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.

“The Nigerian judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man and not a tool in the hands of those seeking to subvert justice for political expediency.

“The NJC’s prompt and transparent action on this petition will go a long way in restoring faith in the judiciary and reinforcing the principle that no one-no matter how highly placed is above the law”,

However, earlier in the day, the Oyo State High Court sustained the exparte  order clearing PDP National Convention for Saturday

Crumbling the moves to stall the National Convention, the  Court sitting in Ibadan, sustained its earlier order clearing the PDP to go ahead with its National Convention as scheduled on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The Court presided over by Justice A.L Akintola at its resumed hearing on Monday sustained the Order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor and or observe the Elective National Convention of the PDP as scheduled, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

The Court also sustained its Order to the PDP National Working Committee, National Executive Committee and the National Convention Organizing Committee to ensure the conduct of the National Convention as scheduled.

With today’s ruling, the coast is completely clear for the PDP to conduct its Elective National Convention on Saturday to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years.

The ruling of the court has stirred jubilation among party members and chapters across the country

A chieftain of the party in Oyo State, Hon. Tunde Suara told the Daily Times that preparation to host the convention is top gear to host delegates and other party members at the weekend.