PDP Sacks Legal Adviser Ajibade, Appoints Chris Uche SAN Amid Convention Legal Tussle

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has relieved its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), of his duties over allegations of compromise in the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the party’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a letter dated October 13 and addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, the PDP NWC announced the appointment of Chief Chris Uche (SAN) as the new legal representative of the party. The letter, signed by National Chairman Umar Damagum and 13 other NWC members, was received by the court on Thursday and obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday. The NWC explained that Ajibade was replaced for allegedly taking a position inconsistent with the party’s interest in the pending court matter.

The party’s internal rift stems from ongoing legal actions by some members loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who are challenging decisions made by the Damagum-led leadership concerning the South-South zonal structure and convention arrangements. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has since ordered both Ajibade and Uche to submit documentation to determine who is duly authorized to represent the PDP. The case is set for hearing on October 20.

Despite the internal conflicts, PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, reaffirmed their commitment to proceed with preparations for the Ibadan convention pending the court’s decision. They emphasized that the process would adhere strictly to the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

Osadolor and Olafeso called for reconciliation among aggrieved members, urging them to prioritize unity and the party’s long-term vision over personal interests. They maintained that the convention would proceed as scheduled, asserting that no amount of internal sabotage or external pressure could derail the PDP’s ongoing reform and repositioning efforts.