Leadership crisis that is rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a fresh twist on Monday as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, petitioned the National Judicial Council against Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court.
In a petition dated November 5, 2025, and received by the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Nov. 6, Austine Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna, and Turnah George described Justice Akintola’s action as “judicial recklessness, impunity, and a flagrant violation of established legal processes.”
The petition challenges Justice Akintola’s ex-parte order permitting the party to hold its national convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.
Petitioners are accusing Justice Akintola of judicial misconduct, arguing that his order contradicted an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had restrained the PDP from holding the convention.
Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja court had, two weeks ago, barred the party from proceeding with the convention, citing non-compliance with internal procedures for notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission.
But, in a countermanding order in a suit filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP and others, Justice Akintola granted the party leave to hold the convention in Ibadan as scheduled.
The conflicting rulings have deepened divisions within the party, with suspended National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, leading a faction aligned with Wike, while acting National Chairman Umar Damagum heads the opposing camp.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Imo State PDP Chairman, Nwachukwu, appearing alongside his Abia State counterpart, Nnanna, alleged that Justice Akintola’s ex parte order, of 4/11/25 directly conflicted with Justice Omotosho’s order of 31/10/25.
“This disturbing development not only undermines the integrity of the judiciary but risks setting a dangerous precedent that could erode public confidence in the justice system.
“The NJC must reaffirm its commitment to discipline, impartiality, and the preservation of judicial integrity by ensuring that errant judicial officers are held accountable without delay,” Nwachukwu said.