Tension Builds As Bala Mohammed, PDP Governors Storm Court Ahead Of Convention Verdict

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Friday led several top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Federal High Court in Abuja, ahead of a crucial judgment on a suit seeking to halt the party’s upcoming national convention.

The convention, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, is expected to produce a new set of national executives for the opposition party.

However, three aggrieved members of the PDP — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (South-South PDP Secretary) — filed a suit alleging violations of the party’s constitution in the build-up to the convention.

In the suit, the plaintiffs asked the court to restrain the party’s leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding, claiming that the ongoing preparations flouted the PDP’s internal regulations and due process.

The court’s verdict is expected to determine whether the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) can continue with its plans for the elective convention.

The case has drawn significant attention within the party, as several stakeholders — including serving governors — see the judgment as a potential turning point in shaping the PDP’s internal power structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PDP Governors Caution Wike, Call for Unity

Earlier in August, the PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed, had cautioned FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and other influential figures within the party against any actions that could undermine the convention process.

The forum warned that attempts to manipulate or destabilize the exercise could jeopardize the fragile unity within the PDP.

Governor Mohammed’s presence in court alongside other leaders was widely interpreted as a show of solidarity with the current leadership and a reaffirmation of the governors’ insistence on due process.

Meanwhile, amid the legal tussle, the party has postponed the screening of aspirants initially scheduled for October 28, 2025, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”

In a statement issued by Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), the PDP assured members that a new date for the screening would be announced soon.

“The National Convention Organising Committee of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has postponed the screening of aspirants for the 2025 Elective National Convention, earlier fixed for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, due to unforeseen circumstances,” the statement read.

“A new date will be communicated in due course. The committee regrets any inconvenience caused by this postponement,” it added.