Court halts PDP congresses in Ekiti

By Lateef Ibrahim

A High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its Local Government and State Congresses in Ekiti State.

Justice E.B. Omotoso granted the injunction while ruling on Motion Ex Parte No. HAD/424M/2025, filed on May 6, 2025, by Hon. Afolabi Adedeji.

The suit names as defendants the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, the National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the party’s Caretaker Chairman in Ekiti State Dare Adeleke, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The judge ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. In an unusual move, the court directed that the PDP Acting National Chairman, the National Organising Secretary, and the Ekiti State Caretaker Chairman be served the court order via WhatsApp.

“Leave is hereby granted to the claimant/applicant to serve the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants the Originating Process with its accompanying processes by substituted means, by pasting the afosesaid originating process on the wall of the 1st defendant’s office situate at Ajilosun Street, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State,” the judge stated.

“In addition, the claimant/applicant is granted leave to serve the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants vide their WhatsApp phone numbers 08047677070, 08035961850 and 08033242822 respectively.”

“All parties in this case are hereby ordered to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice which is hereby fixed for hearing on Wednesday, the 14th day of May, 2025,” the court ruled.

In his application, Hon. Afolabi Adedeji sought an interim injunction restraining the defendants, including their agents or successors, from accepting any list of persons not duly elected in accordance with PDP ward congress procedures held on March 15, 2025.

He argued that only those who obtained election forms and were elected by a simple majority vote at the ward congress should act as delegates in any subsequent party elections.

Adedeji also asked the court to designate the Originating Summons as concurrent and requested permission to issue and serve all associated processes on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,4th and 5th defendants.