The internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated as a faction led by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed filed a legal action at the Zamfara High Court, seeking an ex-parte order to convene the party's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. This move directly contradicts a Federal High Court order in Abuja that prohibits the removal of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.
The faction's application aims to prevent any postponement of the NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja. The plaintiffs are requesting an interlocutory injunction to restrain the party and its officials from delaying the meeting until the resolution of the substantive suit.
In their legal motion, the faction insists on the exclusivity of the upcoming meeting, stating that no other NEC meeting held on different dates should be recognized as the 99th NEC Meeting of the PDP. They also seek to prevent the National Working Committee and other bodies from acknowledging the suspended National Vice Chairman for the South East Zone, Ali Odefa, as a member or officer of the party during the ongoing proceedings.
The plaintiffs emphasize their status as legitimate members of the PDP and argue that the party's constitution does not grant the National Secretary the authority to exercise disciplinary control over National Officers.
The court is expected to hear the motion on a yet-to-be-announced date, a decision that could significantly affect the PDP's internal structure as it grapples with this ongoing legal challenge.