The ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated dramatically on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a public confrontation unfolded between the party’s national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and its national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
The dispute arose during the hearing of a lawsuit filed by three disgruntled PDP members aiming to halt the party’s upcoming National Convention. Central to the conflict was a disagreement over who holds the legitimate authority to appoint legal counsel for the party.
Ambassador Damagum, present in court, produced a letter personally authorizing Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chris Uche to represent the PDP in the case. Conversely, Kamaldeen Ajibade, also a SAN, maintained that the party’s constitution grants him exclusive power to designate legal representatives.
Justice James Omotosho presided over the session, where Joseph Daudu, SAN, formally entered appearances for the plaintiffs: Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
The courtroom drama intensified when Chris Uche, accompanied by over five other SANs, declared their representation of the PDP. This was immediately challenged by Ajibade, who asserted his sole constitutional right to appoint the party’s legal team.
Uche presented the court with the national chairman’s letter of authorization, but Ajibade countered by citing the PDP Constitution and relevant judicial precedents to affirm his exclusive role in legal appointments.
Faced with this impasse, Justice Omotosho paused proceedings for ten minutes, directing both party officials to attempt an out-of-court resolution.
After the recess, the two sides reported their failure to reach consensus. Consequently, Uche requested a brief adjournment to continue negotiations, while Daudu urged the court to proceed with the case if no agreement was reached.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday, 16 October.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Justice Omotosho also ordered the inclusion of Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as the 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants in the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025), following applications by their counsel, Senior Advocates Paul Erokoro and Audu Anuga.
Erokoro argued that Damagum’s involvement was essential given his multiple leadership roles within the PDP, including chairmanship of the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and the Convention Committee. Anuga emphasized that Odefa and Ogidi, as party officials, would be directly impacted by the case’s outcome.
Joseph Daudu opposed the joinder, contending that the plaintiffs sought no relief against these individuals and that their addition was unnecessary.
Justice Omotosho, however, ruled that the three were indispensable parties and ordered the plaintiffs to amend their filings accordingly.
The initial six defendants include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP itself, Samuel Anyanwu (national secretary), Umar Baturrle (national organising secretary), and the party’s NWC and NEC.
The plaintiffs aim to prevent the PDP’s National Convention, slated for 15-16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are to be elected.
Governor Mbah Joins APC to Enhance Service Delivery
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah officially announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a desire to better serve his constituents. The declaration was made during a live broadcast from the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday.
Mbah emphasized that his decision was not an act of betrayal but a strategic move to align with a platform more capable of advancing the interests of his people. He noted the South East, particularly Enugu, has historically been a stronghold of the PDP, demonstrating loyalty and patience over many years.
Despite this longstanding support, Mbah expressed frustration that the region’s concerns were frequently overlooked at critical moments.
Present at the announcement were former Enugu governors Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, alongside other prominent figures. The APC national leadership has already issued Mbah his membership card.
The governor stressed that he carries the trust of his constituents into the APC and that the move was motivated by a commitment to fairness and effective governance. He highlighted that when existing systems fail to deliver justice, bold choices become necessary.
Mbah also pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s policies as a key factor in his decision, underscoring a shared vision for transformative leadership.
He clarified that the defection was a collective decision involving a broad political coalition in Enugu State, including members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, Executive Council, local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives.
Reflecting on the move, Mbah said it followed months of deep contemplation and consultation, concluding that standing for principles such as honour, transparency, and the welfare of the people was paramount.
“Our decision is not driven by resentment or fear but by confidence in a better future. We seek fairness, respect, and integrity to guide our path forward,” he stated.
The governor further described President Tinubu as a partner in purpose, lauding his courage to make difficult decisions for Nigeria’s progress. He expressed optimism about bold, disruptive transformation, including infrastructure development like roads, railways, and airlines extending into the South East.
