A mild drama played out at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, when a heated confrontation erupted between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chris Uche, over who was authorised to represent the party in a suit seeking to stop its planned national convention.
The case, filed by the PDP Imo State Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu; the PDP Abia State Chairman, Amah Nnanna; and the PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George, seeks to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission, the PDP, and its National Working Committee from proceeding with the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The disagreement between the two senior lawyers disrupted proceedings and forced the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, to adjourn the case after a tense session that exposed the deepening division within the PDP leadership.
When the case was called, Chris Uche informed the court that he had been instructed by the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, to represent the party in the matter, citing a formal letter of instruction. However, Ajibade immediately objected, insisting that as the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, he alone is constitutionally empowered to brief external counsel on behalf of the party.
The disagreement quickly escalated, prompting Justice Omotosho to order both lawyers and their clients to step outside the courtroom for ten minutes to resolve the issue amicably. But the situation reportedly worsened outside, as Ajibade later told the court that he was threatened by some individuals, including an aide to a state governor, during the brief recess.
“What my learned friend said is not true,” Ajibade told the court on resumption of proceedings. “As National Legal Adviser, I am empowered to handle the party’s legal matters. He (Uche) saw what happened outside — some people threatened to beat me up. Even an aide of a governor joined in the threats. This issue cannot be resolved here in court; it must follow the PDP Constitution.”
Uche, however, maintained his position, stating that he was duly instructed by the National Chairman and that the letter of authorisation was valid. He urged the court to proceed with the matter, while also calling for a short adjournment to allow the National Chairman and the National Legal Adviser to harmonise their positions.
The incident drew the attention of several senior lawyers and political observers present in court, who described the fracas as evidence of a widening rift within the PDP’s National Working Committee ahead of its national convention. The plaintiffs’ counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), meanwhile urged the court not to allow the party’s internal conflict to delay the proceedings, arguing that the case was time-sensitive.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho expressed displeasure over the confrontation and advised the PDP to resolve its internal leadership dispute without further delay. The judge also ruled on two pending motions for joinder, granting the applications filed by Paul Erokoro (SAN) on behalf of the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and by Audu Anuga (SAN) representing Chief Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi. The court consequently added Damagum, Odefa, and Ogidi as the 7th, 8th, and 9th defendants in the suit.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday, October 16, 2025, for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications. He warned against further delay, saying the court would not entertain unnecessary distractions from the party’s internal disagreements.
The dramatic courtroom confrontation has since fueled speculation of a growing power struggle within the PDP’s top hierarchy, particularly between the National Chairman and the National Legal Adviser. Political analysts have described the development as a reflection of the party’s internal instability as it prepares for its national convention and future elections.
(The news was earlier reported by Punch)
0 Comment: