Politics
Courtroom Drama: PDP’s Damagum, Ajibade Clash Over Legal Representation
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A Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a dramatic showdown between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, over who has the authority to appoint lawyers to represent the party in a suit seeking to stop the party’s national convention.
The suit, instituted by three aggrieved PDP members, aims to halt the party’s planned November 15 and 16, 2025, National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Damagum, who was present in court, had signed a letter mandating Chris Uche, SAN, to represent the party, while Ajibade insisted that he was the sole authority to appoint legal representation.
When the matter was called before Justice James Omotosho, Joseph Daudu, SAN, announced appearance for the three plaintiffs, namely, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State PDP chairman), Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabah George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
Trouble, however, started when Chief Chris Uche, SAN, with more than five other SANs, announced their appearance for PDP, the move that was immediately countered by Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, who is the PDP National Legal Adviser, who also announced his appearance for the same party.
In the drama that ensued, Uche, informed Justice Omotosho that he had a letter from PDP National Chairman appointing him to represent the party in the suit while at the same time, Ajibade replied that he was the sole authority vested with power by the PDP Constitution to appoint legal representation for the party and cited some judgments to that effect.
Apparently taken aback by the development, Justice Omotosho stood down the hearing of the matter for 10 minutes for the National Chairman and the National Legal Adviser to go out of the court to put their house in order.
After about 10 minutes, the two parties reported that they were unable to reconcile on legal representation for the party, prompting Chris Uche, SAN, to seek a short adjournment to enable the National Chairman and the National Legal Adviser to see how to reconcile their differences.
At that point, Daudu, SAN, who stood for the plaintiffs, pleaded with the Judge to go ahead with the hearing of his client’s matter if, on the adjourned date, the two parties were unable to resolve their differences.
Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed Thursday, October 16, for the hearing of the matter.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho joined Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa and Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as the 7th, 8th and 9th defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.
They were joined in two separate applications argued by their respective lawyers, Paul Erokoro and Audu Anuga, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
Erokoro, while arguing for Damagum’s joinder, informed the court that he was a necessary party on account of his being the National Chairman of PDP, Chairman of the National Working Committee (NWC), Chairman of the National Executive Committee as well as the chairman of the Convention Committee.
Audu Anuga, SAN, in his submission on joinder for Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi, informed the court that the two are officers of the PDP, who would be affected one way or the other by the outcome of the case.
The joinder request was vehemently opposed by the counsel to the three plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu, who urged the court to discountenance the requests.
Daudu, SAN argued that the three plaintiffs did not seek any relief against those seeking to be joined, adding that their requests for joinder, and if joined, would serve no purpose.
In his brief ruling, Justice Omotosho said he had considered the status of Umar Illiya Damagum, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi and found them to be necessary parties that would be affected one way or the other by the outcome of the case.
The judge then granted their requests and ordered the three plaintiffs to make them as the 7th, 8th and 9th defendants, respectively.
The judge also ordered the plaintiffs to effect consequential amendments for the names of the three people to reflect in the processes that would be filed in respect of the matter.
The first six defendants are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary of the party), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary of the party), the NWC, and the NEC of the party.
The three plaintiffs had instituted the suit seeking to stop the planned November 15 and 16, 2025, National Convention of PDP scheduled for Ibadan in Oyo State, where new National Officers of the party are expected to be elected.
Politics
Osoba Dismisses Godfatherism Claims, Says Relationship with Abiodun Is Built on Mutual Respect
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Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has described his relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun as cordial, respectful, and devoid of political interference.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists in Abeokuta, Osoba said the absence of godfatherism in Ogun State politics stems from the mutual understanding and harmony between himself and the governor.
He noted that since the inception of the current administration in 2019, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in governance.
According to the Akinrogun of Egbaland, he has neither pressured the governor nor made recommendations regarding appointments or placements in government.
“I have never suggested anyone to be appointed into any office, nor have I influenced the running of the government in any form,” he stated.
Osoba, a former national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized that his relationship with the governor is anchored on mutual respect rather than patronage.
He explained that he accords Abiodun the respect due to his position as the state’s Chief Executive, and that respect is reciprocated.
“I respect him as the Chief Executive Officer and the current father of the state, and he returns that respect to me,” Osoba said, adding that this understanding has contributed significantly to the peace and stability being enjoyed across Ogun State.
He maintained that the harmony between them has translated into effective governance and a calm political atmosphere, dismissing insinuations of godfatherism as unfounded.
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The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed plans to hold an Extended Stakeholders Strategic Meeting on Wednesday, February 11, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, by 2:00 p.m.
The meeting is expected to convene key party leaders and stakeholders across the state, including former Governors and Deputy Governors, former Speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, serving and former members of the Federal Executive Council from Ogun State, as well as serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies.
Also expected are members of the State Executive Council and other major stakeholders of the party.
According to a statement from the party, the strategic gathering will be presided over by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, MFR, as part of efforts to strengthen party unity and chart future political strategies.
The State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, urged all invited stakeholders to attend in party attire, stressing that attendance is strictly by invitation.
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The Ogun State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated the good people of Ogun State on the occasion of the state’s anniversary, urging residents to remain united, resilient and committed to the collective progress of the state.
In a statement issued on behalf of IPAC, the Chairman, Comrade Abayomi Sanyaolu, described the celebration as a moment of reflection on Ogun State’s rich history, remarkable achievements and the shared sacrifices of its people across generations.
Comrade Sanyaolu commended Ogun indigenes at home and in the diaspora for their resilience, enterprise and contributions to the socio-economic and political development of the state, noting that Ogun’s reputation as a centre of excellence was built on unity of purpose and hard work.
According to him, the diversity of political opinions and party affiliations in the state should not be a source of division, but rather a strength that deepens democracy and good governance.
“As political parties, we may differ in ideology and approach, but we are united by a common destiny as Ogun people. This celebration should remind us that peace, unity and mutual respect are essential for sustainable development,” the IPAC chairman said.
He called on political leaders, party members and citizens to embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful engagement, especially as the state continues to pursue development and democratic consolidation.
Comrade Sanyaolu also urged youths and stakeholders to remain hopeful and steadfast, stressing that resilience in the face of challenges has always been a defining attribute of Ogun people.
IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful political processes, issue-based politics and cooperation among political parties in the overall interest of Ogun State.
The council concluded by wishing all Ogun indigenes a joyful celebration and a future marked by peace, progress and shared prosperity.
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