The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has dropped its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, over alleged compromise in the ongoing legal battle concerning the party’s forthcoming national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a letter dated October 13 and addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, the PDP NWC announced the appointment of Chris Uche, SAN, as the party’s new legal representative in court.

The letter, which the court received on Thursday and was exclusively obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday, was signed by the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, along with 13 other NWC members.

Meanwhile, PDP National Executive Committee members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, restated their resolve to continue with preparations for the national convention scheduled for November, pending the Court’s verdict.

The NEC members emphasised that the party’s constitution and internal democracy must guide all preparatory activities leading to the convention.

Recall that after months of internal wrangling, the PDP, at its 101st National Executive Committee meeting held on July 24, resolved to reform and reposition the party through a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, where 19 new members of the National Working Committee are expected to be elected.

However, allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have expressed dissatisfaction with the Umar Damagum-led NWC over disputes related to the South-South zonal leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the micro-zoning formula for the upcoming convention.

Wike’s supporters have warned that the planned convention could be jeopardised if the party fails to revisit some of its recent resolutions. They have already taken legal action to halt the exercise.

The plaintiffs in the suit include Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the PDP in Imo State; Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the PDP in Abia State; and Turnah Alabah George, Secretary of the PDP South-South Zone.

At the hearing on Tuesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, scheduled October 16 for the continuation of the case.

However, when both Ajibade SAN and Uche SAN laid claim to representing the PDP, the judge instructed them to file their respective legal documents so the court could determine who is duly authorised to represent the party.

Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter to Monday, October 20, for the hearing of the substantive suit and related motions.

He cautioned all parties against any actions that could undermine the court’s authority, directing that all filed processes be exchanged by October 17 to ensure an expedited hearing.

However, in a letter titled Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 – Hon. Austine Nwachukwu and 2 Ors vs Independent National Electoral Commission and 5 Ors (Re: Letter of Instructions), the PDP National Working Committee clarified that Ajibade SAN was removed for taking a compromised stance contrary to the party’s interest.

The letter read In part, “We the undersigned, being the elected members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, which Organ of the Party, by virtue of Section 29 of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), is vested with the responsibility to administer the affairs of the Party hereby affirm and confirm that the Letter of Instructions dated 10th October, 2025 and signed by the National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum appointing Chief Chris Uche SAN as external solicitor to represent the Peoples Democratic Party in the above-mentioned Suit is the unanimous resolution and decision of the NWC with regard to the pending Suit before the Honourable Justice Kolawole Omotosho.

“For clarity, Section 29 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), further empowers the NWC to act on behalf of the National Executive Committee an Organ of the Party which decisions by virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) are binding on all Organs and members of the Party.

“The appointment of the external solicitors by the National Chairman on behalf of the Party is sequel to the resolution of the NWC at its 607th meeting on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, wherein the NWC considered the conduct of the National Legal Adviser of the Party, A.K Ajibade SAN and his continuing compromising position in his handling of cases relating to the Party.

“Please accept the assurances of the highest regard of the National Working Committee always.”

Reacting in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online on Friday, Osadolor said recent developments indicate that certain counterforces are working against the PDP National Convention.

He said, “Well, we can see that there are counterforces against the convention holding for diverse reasons. Some say they want the PDP to fail, others insist the party must do things strictly by the book, and some don’t even know why they are opposing the convention.

“However, the Ibadan convention remains fixed; the convention has not been postponed, and preparations are ongoing.

“Nonetheless, the matter is now in court because some people have gone to seek an order to stop the convention. So far, the court has not issued any directive halting it. It’s important to note that only the court has the power to stop the PDP from holding the convention. But I want to appeal to the judiciary not to become a tool in the hands of power brokers and political merchants. The court should allow the internal workings of political parties, as affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader urged both sides to come down from their high horses, forgive one another, and make room for reconciliation.

He continued, “At the end of the day, any victory achieved against one’s brother or family member is no victory at all. It is, at best, a pyrrhic victory. If you rejoice over the downfall of your fellow party member, you haven’t won anything; you’ve actually lost.

“So, I believe that both sides should come down from their high horses, forgive one another, and make room for reconciliation. Those who want the right thing to be done are not wrong, and those who want the convention to hold are not wrong either. There must be a middle ground, one that carries everyone’s interests within the bounds of reason so that, in the end, we can reach a consensus that benefits the party as we prepare for the convention.”

In his remarks, Olafeso, during an exclusive interview with our correspondent, stated that the PDP is making progress.

He encouraged members to work alongside other stakeholders in rebuilding a stronger party and a better Nigeria.

He stated, “My take is that from the beginning of mankind, there have always been the good, the bad, and the ugly. The truth is, there are still good party members who have remained steadfast, while others have sold their souls to the devil.

“The desire of the People’s Democratic Party, from our struggle against military rule till today, has always been to build a better Nigeria. Unfortunately, some are only concerned about immediate gains without regard for the future.

For us, the party is moving forward, and nothing can stop our convention. By January, Nigerians will begin to see a new PDP, a reformed party that radiates change across the country.

“We are not distracted; we are focused and determined. Believe me, the convention will hold as planned.

It is too late for them now. Regardless of the challenges, this party will transform, and they cannot stop the tide of change.

“My advice is simple: they should end this shenanigan and join us in rebuilding a stronger party and a better Nigeria. There is room for everyone to contribute meaningfully. This party has elevated many beyond their level of competence, yet some of them have shown they do not truly care. We are learning our lessons, and I believe tomorrow will be better than today.”

When reached for comment, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, warned against making prejudiced statements and advised party leaders to uphold the status quo as ordered by the Court.

Attempts to obtain reactions from the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and Ajibade were unsuccessful, as their phone lines were unreachable. (Saturday PUNCH)