PDP drops legal adviser convention court case
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has removed its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), from representing the party in a lawsuit seeking to halt its forthcoming national convention.
The decision, confirmed by senior party officials in Abuja, follows internal disagreements over the handling of legal strategy and representation in the contentious suit filed by some aggrieved members. The case, currently before a Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the legitimacy of the planned convention and the processes leading up to it.
A statement from the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) indicated that a new team of external lawyers has been appointed to take over the matter, citing the need for “objectivity and professional neutrality” in defending the party’s position.
“The party has confidence in its legal framework and is committed to ensuring that the forthcoming convention complies fully with the PDP constitution and all relevant laws,” a source within the NWC said.
Internal rift and preparations
Party insiders disclosed that the move reflects growing unease within the PDP over factional tensions ahead of the convention, which is expected to determine key leadership and structural changes. Some members accused Ajibade of not adequately defending the interests of the NWC in previous filings — an allegation he has denied.
Ajibade, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reportedly stated that his approach was guided strictly by the rule of law and the party’s constitution, insisting there was no conflict of interest in his representation.
The PDP leadership has, however, maintained that the change in legal representation is a “routine administrative decision” aimed at ensuring a unified front as preparations for the convention intensify.
Legal implications
Political observers say the development could influence the pace and outcome of the ongoing litigation, which has become a key test of unity within the opposition party. The court is expected to resume hearing on the matter later this month.
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