Court Stops PDP Congresses In Ekiti

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its Local Government and State Congresses in Ekiti State.

The court presided over by Justice Bamidele Omotoso granted the injunction in its ruling on Motion Ex Parte No. HAD/424M/2025, filed on May 6, 2025, by Hon. Afolabi Adedeji.

The PDP acting national chairman, Umar Damagun, the national organising secretary Umar Bature, the party’s caretaker chairman in Ekiti State, Dare Adeleke, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were named as defendants in the suit.

The Local Government Congress was  however, held  in the state capital on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with the PDP Caretaker Committee (CTC) in the state expressing its gratitude to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for ensuring the successful conduct of the congress.

While the judge ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice, the three of the four defendants, the PDP Acting National Chairman, the National Organising Secretary, and the Ekiti State Caretaker Chairman, were directed to be served the court order via WhatsApp.

“Leave is hereby granted to the claimant/applicant to serve the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants the Originating Process with its accompanying processes by substituted means, by pasting the aforesaid originating process on the wall of the 1st defendant’s office situate at Ajilosun Street, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State,” the judge stated.

“In addition, the claimant/applicant is granted leave to serve the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants vide their WhatsApp phone numbers 08047677070, 08035961850 and 08033242822 respectively.

“All parties in this case are hereby ordered to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice which is hereby fixed for hearing on Wednesday, the 14th day of May, 2025,” the court ruled.

Hon. Adedeji, in his application sought an interim injunction restraining the defendants, including their agents or successors, from accepting any list of persons not duly elected in accordance with PDP ward congress procedures held on March 15, 2025.

He argued that only those who obtained election forms and were elected by a simple majority vote at the ward congress should act as delegates in any subsequent party elections.

The applicant also asked the court to designate the Originating Summons as concurrent and requested permission to issue and serve all associated processes on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,4th and 5th defendants.

Chairman of the CTC, Hon. Dare Adeleke, in a statement extended his sincere appreciation to the Electoral Panel, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Civil Defence for their support in ensuring a hitch-free congress.

Adeleke, who commended the committee led by Dr. Eddy Olafeso for their outstanding efforts said, “I cannot express my appreciation enough for the marvelous job done by the committee led by the tireless and indefatigable Dr. Eddy Olafeso. Today’s peaceful outing shows how organized and dedicated the committee was in preparing for this congress.”

He further stated:“We are thrilled that the congress commenced and concluded smoothly, without any hitches. It is on record that we started ahead of schedule at 8:00 a.m., and by 12 noon, we had concluded.”

The CTC chairman congratulated the PDP family on the successful inauguration of ward and local government congresses and offered words of encouragement to the newly elected officers:

“To the elected officers, we urge you to work tirelessly for the party’s success.”

Adeleke emphasized that Wednesday’s event demonstrated the unity and commitment of party members in Ekiti State:

“We are indeed very impressed with today’s outing, which has sent a clear message to skeptics that the PDP in Ekiti State is fully committed to one goal;  the success of our party, both as an entity and in future elections. With the cohesion and peace within the party, it is safe to say that victory is sure.