Nigerian court to hear PDP leadership dispute July 7

A legal battle is unfolding within Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a faction seeks official recognition for its interim leadership. The Federal High Court in Abuja has set July 7 for a hearing on pending applications and the substantive suit filed by the PDP's Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara.

The core of the dispute lies in compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acknowledge the Kabir Turaki-led interim National Working Committee. The plaintiffs, which include prominent figures like former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and Chief Olabode George, are asking the court to direct INEC to update its official records to reflect the interim leadership and to accept all communications from this body, as previously submitted via letters dated May 4.

“

The commission has reiterated that its July 11 deadline for the submission of names of candidates is sacrosanct.

During a recent court session, counsel for the plaintiffs, Chief Gordy Uche (SAN), emphasized the urgency of the matter. He argued that the case is time-sensitive, particularly in light of INEC's timetable for the 2027 general elections. Uche passionately appealed for the hearing of all pending joinder applications alongside the main suit to save judicial time and ensure his clients can meet INEC's deadline for candidate submissions, which he noted began on the day of the proceedings.

INEC's deadline for candidate submissions is July 11, and parties involved have been granted access codes. The plaintiffs' request for an accelerated hearing was met with no objections from the PDP's counsel, INEC's representative, or parties seeking to be joined in the suit. The court has directed all parties to file and serve their processes by July 6, warning that further delays will not be tolerated.

“

They said the submission started yesterday, and parties have been given the access code, and we also need the access code.