Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed cites court judgment, appeals for calm among members
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, has announced the suspension and cancellation of the party’s proposed national convention earlier scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Mohammed made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, alongside the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and several members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The decision, according to the PDP leadership, follows the receipt of a Certified True Copy (CTC) of a recent judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Court judgment prompts leadership review
Addressing journalists, Mohammed explained that the party received the official court document pertaining to Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, which was delivered by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“We warmly welcome you to this important press briefing and sincerely appreciate your steadfast support for our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” he began.
“The National Leadership of the PDP, under my humble leadership as Acting National Chairman, in collaboration with our National Secretary, Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu, hereby formally informs the Nigerian public that we have received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.”
According to Mohammed, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Ajibade K.A. (SAN), had reviewed the judgment and provided a detailed legal opinion on its implications. Acting on that advice, the PDP has filed a formal appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further clarification and interpretation of the ruling.
Party cancels Ibadan convention pending appeal decision
In line with the legal advice and in what Mohammed described as a demonstration of respect for the rule of law, the PDP decided to suspend and cancel its planned Ibadan National Convention until the appellate court delivers its verdict.
“Consequently, having lodged an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal. Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned,” Mohammed said.
He added that the decision was made to avoid any act that could be interpreted as contempt of court or a breach of judicial directives.
INEC notified of suspension decision
Mohammed further revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was one of the defendants in the Abuja court case, has been formally notified of the PDP’s decision to suspend the convention.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission was a party to the suit and is fully aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court. Nevertheless, we have deemed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission,” he explained.
He noted that the PDP leadership had written to INEC to suspend all convention-related activities in line with the court’s ruling and the party’s commitment to due process and constitutional compliance.
PDP cautions against conflicting court orders
The acting chairman also addressed reports of a recent ex-parte order purportedly issued by a High Court in Oyo State, which sought to authorize the continuation of convention preparations. Mohammed, however, maintained that such an order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court.
“We are aware of an ex-parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State. While we await the Certified True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex-parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court,” he clarified.
Mohammed stressed that the PDP will continue to operate strictly within the bounds of the law, guided by valid judicial authority and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Leadership reaffirms commitment to party unity
Despite the legal setback, Mohammed reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to internal stability and unity within the PDP. He urged all members and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding while the legal process runs its course.
“Our decisions are guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of the PDP as a democratic institution,” he stated.
The acting chairman emphasized that the ongoing legal clarification will ultimately strengthen the party’s democratic processes, ensuring that future conventions and leadership transitions are conducted in full compliance with judicial and constitutional standards.
Analysts weigh in on implications
Political observers have described the development as a critical moment for the PDP, noting that the suspension of the Ibadan convention could reshape internal power dynamics within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While some party members see the move as a necessary step to avoid contempt of court, others believe it may delay efforts at reconciliation and the emergence of a new leadership structure.
However, many within the party agree that the decision reflects an important commitment to judicial respect and institutional discipline, which are vital for restoring public confidence in the PDP’s internal democracy.
