PDP Removes Legal Adviser Over Alleged Compromise in Convention Case

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has removed its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), from handling the ongoing court case concerning the party’s planned national convention set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The decision, which was made through a letter dated October 13 and addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, followed allegations that Ajibade compromised his position in the matter.

The letter, signed by the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and 13 other members of the NWC, also confirmed the appointment of Chris Uche (SAN) as the new lawyer representing the party.

The court acknowledged receipt of the letter on Thursday.The party’s leadership explained that Ajibade’s removal was a collective resolution taken during its meeting on September 30, 2025. The NWC accused him of acting contrary to the interest of the party in cases relating to the upcoming convention.

According to the letter, the NWC has the authority under the PDP Constitution to appoint external solicitors on behalf of the party when necessary.The PDP’s decision comes amid internal conflict over preparations for the national convention, which is expected to elect new members of the National Working Committee.

Some members, particularly allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership led by Damagum, citing disagreements over zoning and control of party structures in parts of the South-South and other states.

Wike’s loyalists have already gone to court to stop the convention, leading to the current legal dispute. The plaintiffs include PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States, and the Secretary of the PDP South-South Zone.

During the last hearing, both Ajibade and Uche presented themselves as representing the PDP, prompting the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, to order them to submit documents proving who was duly authorised.

The case was adjourned to October 20 for further hearing.The court also instructed all parties to avoid actions that could interfere with its authority and to exchange their legal documents before October 17 to allow for a speedy hearing.

Meanwhile, some PDP leaders, including the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, and former National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, said preparations for the convention would continue despite the legal case. They maintained that the convention has not been postponed and expressed optimism that it would take place as planned.

Osadolor called on all party members to remain calm and seek reconciliation instead of deepening divisions, urging both sides to work together for the unity of the PDP. Olafeso, on his part, said that although some members were trying to frustrate the party’s progress, the PDP was determined to move forward and rebuild itself ahead of future elections.

The PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, however, cautioned against making public statements that could affect the case, noting that the court’s order on maintaining the status quo should be respected. Efforts to reach the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and Ajibade were unsuccessful as their phones were unreachable.

The case is expected to determine whether the PDP convention in Ibadan will proceed as scheduled or face suspension pending the court’s ruling.