An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has again extended its interim order restraining any interference with the planned National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in the Oyo State capital.
The presiding judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola, in his ruling on Thursday, ordered that the interim injunction earlier granted on an ex-parte motion filed by the claimant would remain in effect until Friday when the substantive case comes up for further hearing.
The order, which effectively shields the opposition party from disruptions ahead of its crucial convention, followed arguments by counsel representing both parties in the suit.
Justice Akintola, ruling on a separate application for joinder filed by another party in the matter, held that the document could not be entertained because it was unsigned by the deponent.
However, counsel to the defendant, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), maintained that the omission did not invalidate the application, arguing that the identity of the deponent was clearly established.
In his response, the judge ruled that while the application could not be accepted in its current form, it could be properly refiled.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, counsel to the claimant, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), said the interim injunction remains valid and enforceable pending the court’s decision on the substantive case.
“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,” Adetunmbi explained.
It would be recalled that the court had earlier granted an order allowing the PDP to proceed with its National Convention in Ibadan, following an ex-parte motion filed by the claimant seeking to restrain the defendants — Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (for himself and members of the National Convention Organising Committee); and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — from truncating or frustrating the conduct of the event.
The court also directed the PDP leadership to strictly adhere to the guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities previously released for the convention.
Meanwhile, the PDP has reaffirmed its commitment to holding the convention as planned, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to derail the event through misinformation and legal distractions.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary and Secretary of the Publicity and Communication Sub-Committee of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party dismissed reports of any postponement.
“The National Working Committee, NWC, and the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee of the PDP informs all party members and the general public that the 2025 National Convention of the PDP has not been postponed but will go on as scheduled on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,” Ologunagba said.
He accused the APC of sponsoring false narratives to mislead the public, describing the move as part of a “failed plot to weaken the opposition and destabilise democracy.”
“We are aware of the plots by the APC to destabilise the opposition and impose a one-party state in the country — a design that will be lawfully resisted,” Ologunagba added.
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