Federal High Court Orders PDP to Proceed with South South Zonal Congress

In a significant development, the Federal High Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has ruled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can proceed with its South South Zonal Elective Congress, scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Calabar, Cross Rivers State. This decision comes after the court rejected an interim injunction sought by plaintiffs Desmond Owei and Osahon Terry Okonedo to halt the congress.

Background of the Case

The plaintiffs had filed a Motion Exparte, seeking to restrain the defendants—Amb. Iliya Damagun (Acting National Chairman of the PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbhi (National Vice Chairman, South South Zone), and the PDP itself—from holding the zonal congress, approved by the Zonal Executive Committee, pending the hearing of a related Motion on Notice.

Court’s Ruling

In a ruling issued on Friday, February 21, 2025, Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho denied the plaintiffs’ Motion Exparte, stating that the ex parte application to stop the congress was refused. The court directed that the Motion on Notice, also filed on February 20, 2025, seeking an interlocutory injunction, be served on all respondents, with the matter adjourned to March 4, 2025, for a hearing.

Implications of the Ruling

This ruling clears the way for the PDP to conduct its South South Zonal Elective Congress as planned, unless further legal action is taken before the scheduled date. The decision underscores the court’s cautious approach to granting urgent interim relief and emphasizes procedural fairness by allowing the defendants to respond to the plaintiffs’ claims in the upcoming hearing.

Disagreement over Venue

Interestingly, there was a disagreement over the venue of the congress, as the South South executives of the PDP had earlier approved Port Harcourt as the venue, citing the party’s constitution. However, the court’s ruling has cleared the way for the congress to proceed as planned in Calabar.

Internal Dynamics within the PDP

This development highlights the ongoing internal dynamics within the PDP as the party navigates leadership elections in the South South Zone. The PDP has been grappling with internal conflicts and power struggles, and this court ruling is just the latest twist in the party’s efforts to hold its zonal congress.

In conclusion, the Federal High Court’s ruling has paved the way for the PDP to proceed with its South South Zonal Elective Congress. Unless further legal action is taken, the congress will proceed as planned, and the PDP will take a crucial step towards electing its leaders in the South South Zone.