The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned till Thursday, October 16, hearing in a suit seeking to stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its forthcoming national convention, following a dispute over who is authorised to represent the party in court.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter after two senior lawyers Chris Uche (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) both claimed to be representing the PDP.

Sources at the court said the disagreement stemmed from internal party directives. Uche reportedly told the court that he was briefed by the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, while Ajibade, who is the party’s National Legal Adviser, argued that he alone was constitutionally empowered to appoint external counsel, citing judicial precedents.

Justice Omotosho directed both lawyers to step outside briefly to reconcile, but the effort failed. Upon return, Uche maintained that he acted on a written instruction signed by the party’s chairman, while Ajibade insisted that the party’s internal rules must be respected.

It was gathered that Ajibade also raised concerns over alleged intimidation during the reconciliation attempt, saying he could not proceed under the tense atmosphere.

The suit was filed by three PDP officials, Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State Chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia State Chairman), and Turnah George (South-South Zonal Secretary). They are seeking an order to restrain the PDP from holding its national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, and to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the event.

The plaintiffs allege that the planned convention breaches provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.

Two motions for joinder were also filed during the proceedings one by Paul Erokoro (SAN) on behalf of the PDP National Chairman, and another by Audu Anuga for Chief Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi. Although the plaintiffs’ counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), opposed both motions, the court granted them, joining Damagum, Odefa, and Ogidi as 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants respectively.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho urged the PDP to resolve its internal crisis before the next hearing, warning against further delays.

He said: “We will give the party an opportunity to resolve its internal issues. If they do not, I will not entertain any further delays. You are members of the same party get these issues resolved. Politicians are funny, and I’ll say it again: judicial processes should not be made nugatory.”

The matter was adjourned to Thursday for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications, with the judge directing all parties to file their responses within 24 hours.