The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has postponed its decision on a preliminary objection challenging its authority in a case aimed at halting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025.
The legal action was initiated by PDP member Mr. Folahan Adelabi, who opposes efforts to disrupt the convention preparations.
During Friday’s hearing, O. Adeyemi, representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), contended that the High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case, arguing that INEC, as a Federal Government agency, should only be accountable to the Federal High Court.
Adeyemi urged the court to dismiss the case, asserting, “INEC is a federal agency and falls strictly under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. This court cannot entertain this matter.”
However, Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, representing the claimant, opposed the objection, claiming it infringed on the claimant’s fundamental rights.
Adetumbi argued that the 1999 Constitution protects the right of association and peaceful assembly, including political conventions.
Referencing Section 251 of the Constitution, Adetumbi argued that INEC is not among the institutions that automatically remove the jurisdiction of the State High Court.
After hearing from both sides, Justice Ladiran Akintola, the presiding judge, postponed his ruling on the objection to December 8, 2025.
He also confirmed that the interim injunction previously issued, preventing the defendants from disrupting or interfering with the PDP national convention preparations, remains in effect.
The defendants in the case are:
- The PDP (1st defendant)
- Its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum (2nd defendant)
- Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee (3rd defendant)
- INEC (4th defendant)
