A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has petitioned the National Judicial Council, accusing a judge of misconduct. The petition against Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court marks a significant escalation in the party’s internal leadership crisis.
The group is challenging an ex parte order granted by Justice Akintola which permitted the party to hold its national convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.
The petitioners argue this order directly contradicts an earlier judgment from the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja court had, two weeks ago, barred the party from proceeding with the convention, citing its failure to properly notify the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The petition, dated November 5, 2025, was filed by the Imo State PDP Chairman, Austine Nwachukwu, alongside his Abia State counterpart, Amah Nnanna, and Turnah George. They described Justice Akintola’s action as “judicial recklessness, impunity, and a flagrant violation of established legal processes.”
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Mr Nwachukwu stated that the judge’s order, issued on November 4, created a dangerous conflict with the existing Federal High Court order.
“This disturbing development not only undermines the integrity of the judiciary but risks setting a dangerous precedent that could erode public confidence in the justice system,” he said.
The petitioners have called on the NJC to investigate the matter and take disciplinary action. “The NJC must reaffirm its commitment to discipline, impartiality, and the preservation of judicial integrity by ensuring that errant judicial officers are held accountable without delay,” they added. They pointed to swift disciplinary actions taken in Rivers, Imo, and other states, urging the judicial body to apply the same standard in this case.
Meanwhile, the legal proceedings in Oyo State continued on Monday. Justice Akintola adjourned the hearing on a Motion on Notice in the suit filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP and its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, until Wednesday, November 12. Last week, the same judge had granted the ex parte application allowing the convention to proceed while setting November 10 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.
After listening to counsel on Monday, Justice Akintola urged all parties to file outstanding processes to ensure a smooth hearing and directed the PDP leadership to strictly comply with the previously released convention guidelines. The atmosphere at the court was tense, with journalists barred from entering the courtroom as security operatives mounted a blockade at the entrance.
The conflicting court orders have thrown the main opposition party into deeper turmoil, sharply dividing it into two camps. One faction is led by the suspended National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and aligned with Mr Wike, while the opposing camp is headed by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
The core of the legal dispute rests on which court order takes precedence. Justice Omotosho of the Abuja court had explicitly directed the PDP to issue the statutory 21-day notice to INEC before any convention and restrained the commission from recognising a convention not conducted in accordance with due process.
Justice Akintola’s countervailing order from the Oyo court has now created a direct legal clash, leaving the party’s plans for its national convention in a state of profound uncertainty just days before it is scheduled to begin.
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