PDP Removes Legal Adviser Over Court Case on Ibadan Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has removed its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, amid accusations of compromise in the ongoing court case over the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a letter dated October 13 and addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP announced the appointment of Chris Uche, SAN, as the new legal representative for the party. The letter, received by the court on Thursday, was signed by National Chairman Umar Damagum and 13 other NWC members.

The change in legal representation comes as internal disputes within the party deepen ahead of the Ibadan convention. The NWC stated that Ajibade was removed for allegedly taking positions that conflicted with the party’s interest in the ongoing suit. It said the decision was taken during its 607th meeting held on September 30.

The legal dispute stems from a case filed by some party members seeking to stop the planned convention. The plaintiffs include PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States—Hon. Austin Nwachukwu and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna—as well as Turnah Alabah George, Secretary of the PDP South-South Zone. They are challenging the party’s internal processes and zoning arrangements.

At the last court sitting, confusion arose when both Ajibade and Uche appeared in court claiming to represent the PDP. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered both counsels to file their legal documents for verification and adjourned the matter to October 20 for hearing. The judge warned all parties against actions that could undermine the court’s authority and directed that all documents be exchanged by October 17.

Meanwhile, members of the party’s National Executive Committee, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, have reaffirmed their commitment to continue with preparations for the convention despite the legal battles. They insisted that the party’s constitution would guide all actions leading to the event.

The internal rift has been fueled by discontent among allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. His supporters have expressed anger over the handling of the South-South zonal leadership and party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States. They also faulted the micro-zoning arrangement for the upcoming convention and have warned that the exercise could be derailed if their grievances are not addressed.

Osadolor said the latest developments show that some individuals are deliberately working against the convention. He maintained that the event will hold as planned unless the court rules otherwise. He also appealed to the judiciary to remain neutral and not become an instrument in political disputes.

He called on party members to put aside differences and pursue reconciliation, saying that internal unity is key to the PDP’s revival. “Any victory against a fellow member is not a real victory,” he said, urging both factions to find a middle ground that benefits the entire party.

Olafeso also expressed confidence that the PDP will emerge stronger from its current challenges. He said the party remains focused on reforming its structure and restoring public trust. According to him, despite distractions, the planned Ibadan convention will hold as scheduled, as preparations are already in motion across all states.

He added that the party’s transformation is ongoing and will soon reflect in its operations and public image. He encouraged those opposed to the process to join in rebuilding a united PDP that can serve as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.

However, Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha cautioned party members to respect the ongoing court process and avoid statements that could prejudice the case. Efforts to reach PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and the removed Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, were unsuccessful as their phone lines were unreachable.

The upcoming Ibadan convention is expected to produce 19 new members of the National Working Committee and set the tone for the PDP’s repositioning ahead of future elections.