Wike’s Loyalists Petition NJC Over Judge’s Order Approving PDP Convention

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, with loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike filing a petition against Justice A.L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court over alleged judicial misconduct.

The petition, signed by Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George, was submitted to the National Judicial Council (NJC) on November 5 and acknowledged by the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on November 6. The trio, who are already in court challenging the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) over the planned national convention, accused Justice Akintola of “judicial recklessness, impunity, and violation of established legal processes.”

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Nnanna and Nwachukwu alleged that Justice Akintola issued an ex parte order on November 4 authorising the conduct of the PDP national convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16. They argued that the order directly contradicted a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, delivered on October 31 (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025), which restrained the party from holding the convention on those same dates.

They contended that the judge’s decision amounted to sitting on appeal over a ruling by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, calling it a breach of judicial order and a threat to the rule of law. “This disturbing development not only threatens the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary but also risks setting a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public confidence in the justice system,” Nwachukwu said.

The petitioners called on the NJC to act swiftly, warning that failure to do so could embolden judicial officers who disregard due process. They urged the council to reaffirm its commitment to impartiality and discipline by ensuring that errant judges are held accountable.

They also reminded the NJC of its past decisive actions in similar cases in Rivers and Imo States, insisting that prompt intervention would help preserve the judiciary’s credibility. “The judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man and not a tool for political manipulation. The NJC’s quick and transparent response to this petition will restore faith in the system and reinforce that no one, no matter how highly placed, is above the law,” Nwachukwu added.