An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has again extended its interim order restraining any interference with the planned National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.
The extension will remain effective until Friday, when the substantive case is expected to resume for further hearing.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Ladiran Akintola ordered that the interim injunction earlier granted on an ex-parte motion filed by the claimant would continue to subsist pending the determination of the suit.
After listening to counsels representing both parties, the court adjourned the matter to Friday for continuation of the hearing.
Ruling on a separate application for joinder, Justice Akintola held that the application could not be entertained as it lacked a valid signature by the deponent.
However, counsel to the defendant, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), argued that the omission did not invalidate the application since the deponent’s identity was already established. The judge maintained that the application could be refiled properly.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, counsel to the claimant, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), said:
“We were about to take the application for joinder when the Court discovered that the affidavit was not signed. However, the other party has indicated interest to file another one. That is what transpired in court today.”
He confirmed that the interim injunction earlier granted by the court remains valid and enforceable until the substantive case is heard.
Earlier, the court had authorised the PDP to proceed with its National Convention as scheduled, restraining the defendants, Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri (for himself and members of the National Convention Organising Committee); and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from truncating or frustrating the process.
The court also directed the PDP to strictly adhere to its approved guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities for the event.
PDP Insists Convention Will Hold Despite APC ‘Disruption Attempts’
Meanwhile, the PDP has reaffirmed that its 2025 National Convention will hold this weekend in Ibadan, dismissing reports of postponement as false and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary and Secretary of the Publicity and Communication Sub-Committee of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), the party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring misinformation to derail the event.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) and the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee of the PDP inform all members and the public that the convention has not been postponed but will go on as scheduled on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital,” Ologunagba said.
He urged party members and Nigerians to disregard what he described as “false and misleading claims” allegedly spread by individuals working for the ruling party.
The PDP further accused the APC of plotting to destabilise the opposition and impose a one-party state, vowing to “lawfully resist” any such attempt.
“We are aware of the plots by the APC to destabilize the opposition and impose a one-party state in the country; a design that will be lawfully resisted,” Ologunagba stated.
