A Legal Storm Brewing in the Southeast
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s Southeast region is facing a legal and organizational crisis as plans for a zonal congress hang in the balance. A court order barring the party from conducting the congress has sparked warnings from lawyers and confusion among party members. With rumors swirling on social media, the situation has become a test of the party’s adherence to the rule of law and internal discipline.
The Court Order: A Roadblock for the PDP
At the heart of the controversy is a court order obtained by Barr. Mike Nwankwo, which prohibits the PDP from holding its Southeast zonal congress. The order, stemming from suit no: FCT/HC/CV/325/2025, remains in effect, and any attempt to proceed with the congress could amount to contempt of court.
In separate letters addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP’s Southeast Zonal Secretary, Mr. James Ugwu, Barr. Nwankwo’s legal team reminded both parties of the subsisting court order. The letters, signed by lead counsel Kalu Kalu Agu, emphasized that INEC had previously acknowledged the order and withdrawn its staff from the initially scheduled congress on February 22, 2025.
Rumors and Misinformation: WhatsApp Messages Fuel Confusion
Despite the court order, rumors have been circulating on social media, particularly via WhatsApp, suggesting that the PDP has rescheduled the zonal congress for February 26, 2025. These messages are reportedly linked to the embattled National Vice Chairman of the PDP in the Southeast, Mr. Ali Odefa, and Zonal Secretary Mr. James Ugwu.
However, Barr. Nwankwo’s legal team has dismissed these rumors, stating that only the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has the authority to schedule zonal congresses. As of now, the NWC has not announced a new date for the Southeast congress.
Legal Warnings: Steering Clear of Contempt
In their letters, Barr. Nwankwo’s counsel issued a stern warning to both INEC and Mr. Ugwu to avoid any actions that could violate the court order. They also urged PDP members in the Southeast to disregard any unofficial announcements about the congress.
“The general public, especially members of the PDP in the Southeast, are enjoined to ignore any such message as the NWC of the PDP, which is statutorily invested with the power to conduct the zonal congress, has not fixed any date for the congress,” the letters stated.
A Test of Party Discipline and Legal Compliance
The ongoing saga highlights the challenges the PDP faces in navigating legal and internal disputes. As the party works to resolve these issues, its ability to adhere to court orders and maintain transparency will be crucial in preserving its credibility and unity.
For now, the Southeast zonal congress remains on hold, leaving party members in the region in a state of uncertainty.