PDP Replaces Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade with Chris Uche Ahead of Convention Legal Battle

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has removed its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), over accusations of compromising the ongoing legal battle regarding the party’s forthcoming national convention set for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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

The letter, which was received by the court on Thursday, was signed by PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and 13 other NWC members. This move comes after Ajibade was accused of compromising his position in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the party’s convention.

Meanwhile, members of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, reaffirmed their commitment to proceeding with preparations for the national convention.

They stressed that the convention would be held in accordance with the PDP’s constitution and internal democracy, pending the court’s ruling.

The party has been embroiled in internal wrangling for months, and the 101st National Executive Committee meeting held on July 24, 2025, resolved to reposition the PDP through a National Elective Convention in Ibadan. At this convention, 19 new members of the NWC are expected to be elected.
Wike’s Allies Express Concerns

Despite the PDP’s push for unity, allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have raised concerns over internal disputes, including issues surrounding the South-South zonal leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the micro-zoning formula for the convention.

Wike’s supporters have warned that the convention could be at risk unless the party reconsiders some of its recent resolutions. Legal actions have already been initiated to halt the convention process.

The plaintiffs in the case 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.

The case was heard by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the hearing scheduled for October 16, 2025. However, when both Ajibade and Uche claimed to represent the PDP, the judge instructed them to submit their respective legal documents for the court’s review to determine who is authorised to represent the party.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to Monday, October 20, for the hearing of the substantive suit and related motions. The judge cautioned both parties against actions that could undermine the court’s authority, ordering all documents to be exchanged by October 17 for an expedited hearing.

In an official letter, titled Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, the PDP NWC clarified that Ajibade’s removal stemmed from his alleged compromised stance that was contrary to the party’s best interests. The NWC maintains that it acted in the party’s best interests to ensure that its case is properly represented in the ongoing legal proceedings.

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 interview with Punch 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 further stated, “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.