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PDP Crisis Deepens as National Chairman and Legal Adviser Clash in Court

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a deepening crisis following a power tussle between its national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, at a Federal High Court in Abuja. The dispute arose during a hearing of a suit seeking to stop the party's planned National Convention, which has been set for 15 and 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Meanwhile, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing his desire to serve his people more effectively and align with a platform that would better meet their needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, clashed in court over who had the authority to appoint a lawyer to represent the party.
  • The dispute arose during a hearing of a suit seeking to stop the party's planned National Convention, scheduled for 15 and 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
  • Chris Uche, SAN, announced his appearance for the PDP, which was countered by Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, the PDP national legal adviser, who also announced an appearance for the same party.
  • Justice Omotosho halted the hearing for ten minutes, instructing the two PDP national officers to step outside and resolve their differences.
  • Chris Uche, SAN, subsequently requested a short adjournment to allow further discussions between the two.
  • Justice Omotosho then adjourned the hearing to Thursday, 16 October.
  • The first six defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (the party's national secretary), and the party's NWC and NEC.
  • Three plaintiffs, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Hon. Amah Nnanna, and Turnah George, are seeking to stop the planned National Convention.
  • Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the decision was made to ensure he could serve his people more effectively.
  • Mbah highlighted that for decades, the South East, particularly Enugu, had stood loyally behind the PDP, showing patience and commitment, but emphasized that their voices were too often ignored.
  • Mbah stressed that he took into account the policies of President Bola Tinubu and that the decision to leave the PDP was collective.
  • The governor expressed confidence in his future, stating that they are not moving from a place of resentment or fear, but rather for fairness, respect, and integrity.

Statistics:

  • The PDP's planned National Convention is scheduled for 15 and 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
  • The first six defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (the party's national secretary), and the party's NWC and NEC.
  • The three plaintiffs, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Hon. Amah Nnanna, and Turnah George, are seeking to stop the planned National Convention.
  • Justice Omotosho adjourned the hearing to Thursday, 16 October.

Sources:

  • "PDP crisis deepens as national chairman and legal adviser clash in court", Daily Trust, [https://www.dailytrust.com/the-investigator/pdp-crisis-deepens-as-national-chairman-and-legal-adviser-clash-in-court.html](https://www.dailytrust.com/the-investigator/pdp-crisis-deepens-as-national-chairman-and-legal-adviser-clash-in-court.html)
  • "Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, joins APC", Premium Times, [https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/551648-ugu-governor-peter-mbah-joins-apc.html](https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/551648-ugu-governor-peter-mbah-joins-apc.html)

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