The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025, aims to invalidate the national convention held by the party in Ibadan, Oyo State—a gathering that produced a new set of national officers and deepened existing divisions within the PDP. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently postponed proceedings on the main case, along with all related motions, until January 14, 2026.
Motion for Recusal
The request for Justice Abdulmalik’s recusal was filed by a team of seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN). They acted on behalf of Ambassador Umar Damagum and other officers elected at the controversial Ibadan convention, who appear as the 5th to 25th defendants in the case.
In their motion, the Turaki faction accused the presiding judge of exhibiting conduct that could create a “reasonable and well-grounded apprehension of bias.” According to them, the management of previous and current PDP-related matters before the court has raised serious doubts about whether the judge can fairly adjudicate the dispute.
The faction reminded the court that they had earlier petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, urging that all PDP intra-party matters be reassigned from Justice Abdulmalik and two other judges due to what they described as “past patterns and perceived partiality.” Despite this request, the present case still came before her.
Claims of Unfair Orders
The applicants highlighted what they considered inconsistent judicial conduct. They argued that although Justice Abdulmalik declined to grant an ex parte motion filed by the plaintiffs aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, she later issued an ex parte order on November 25, 2025, which went against members of the Turaki camp.
According to them, this order effectively prevented their faction from taking any action in the name of the party. They also questioned the structure of the order, claiming it bore a striking resemblance to a previous directive issued by Justice Omotosho in a related PDP case, raising further suspicion.
The Turaki faction insisted that the judge’s ex parte orders ventured into the heart of the main dispute despite the absence of any genuine urgency. They argued that such decisions undermined the constitutional principle that parties are entitled to a fair hearing before an unbiased tribunal.
Court’s Position
Justice Abdulmalik, however, declined to entertain the recusal motion immediately, noting that several parties involved in the suit had yet to be properly served with the application. She then adjourned the matter until January 14, 2026, when the court is expected to consider all pending motions, including the challenge to her continued handling of the case.
Background of the Dispute
The original suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025) was filed by the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, with Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu listed as the plaintiffs. They seek a judicial declaration voiding the Ibadan convention and all decisions emanating from it.
Their demands include:
- Nullification of the Ibadan convention and its resolutions
- An order restraining the Turaki-backed officers from acting or presenting themselves as the party’s leaders
- A directive compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the Turaki faction
- Court-ordered protection from the Inspector General of Police, FCT Commissioner of Police, and State Security Service to enable them to operate from the party’s national secretariats—Wadata Plaza and Legacy House
Counter Suit Adjourned
In a separate but related case, FHC/ABJ/CS/2520/2025, the Turaki faction is asking the court to order the police to vacate Wadata Plaza, alleging interference with the administrative functions of their leadership. Justice Abdulmalik has scheduled hearing on that matter for January 16, 2026.
Background of the Dispute
The original suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025) was filed by the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, with Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu listed as the plaintiffs. They seek a judicial declaration voiding the Ibadan convention and all decisions emanating from it.
Their demands include:
• Nullification of the Ibadan convention and its resolutions
• An order restraining the Turaki-backed officers from acting or presenting themselves as the party’s leaders
• A directive compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the Turaki faction
• Court-ordered protection from the Inspector General of Police, FCT Commissioner of Police, and State Security Service to enable them to operate from the party’s national secretariats—Wadata Plaza and Legacy House
Counter Suit Adjourned
In a separate but related case, FHC/ABJ/CS/2520/2025, the Turaki faction is asking the court to order the police to vacate Wadata Plaza, alleging interference with the administrative functions of their leadership. Justice Abdulmalik hasscheduled hearing on that matter for January 16, 2026.
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