The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has postponed its ruling on a jurisdictional challenge concerning a lawsuit against the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention. The convention is scheduled for November 15-16, 2025.
PDP member Folahan Adelabi initiated the legal action to prevent disruptions to the convention preparations. During Friday’s hearing, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) counsel O. Adeyemi contested the court’s jurisdiction.
Adeyemi argued that INEC, as a federal agency, falls exclusively under the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction. He urged the court to dismiss the case, stating, “This court cannot entertain this matter.”
Claimant’s counsel Musibau Adetumbi (SAN) countered the objection. He cited constitutional rights to association and peaceful assembly. Adetumbi referenced Section 251 of the Constitution to challenge INEC’s jurisdictional claim.
Presiding judge Justice Ladiran Akintola adjourned the jurisdictional ruling to December 8, 2025. The court reaffirmed its interim injunction prohibiting defendants from disrupting convention preparations.
Defendants in the case include the PDP, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and INEC. The injunction remains effective pending the court’s final decision.
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