Wike’s PDP Faction Petitions NJC, Demands Disciplinary Action Against Oyo Judge Over Convention Ruling

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as key figures loyal to former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, have petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for disciplinary measures against Justice A.L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court. The petition, which was acknowledged by the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s office on November 6, 2025, accuses the judge of “judicial recklessness, impunity, and gross misconduct” for permitting the PDP to proceed with its forthcoming national convention in Ibadan despite a subsisting order from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to the petition, signed by PDP members Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George, Justice Akintola’s ex parte order—issued on November 4—directly contradicts an earlier judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 31. That Abuja judgment, under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, had explicitly restrained the PDP from holding its convention on the same dates, November 15 and 16. The petitioners allege that by allowing the Ibadan convention to proceed, Justice Akintola effectively overruled a court of coordinate jurisdiction, a move they described as “a dangerous affront to judicial order and hierarchy.”

“This disturbing development undermines the sanctity of the rule of law and erodes public confidence in the judiciary,” the petition stated. “If left unpunished, it will embolden other judicial officers to act as instruments of political manipulation rather than impartial arbiters of justice.”

The Wike faction urged the NJC to take swift and decisive action against the judge, referencing similar disciplinary precedents set in cases involving judicial misconduct in Rivers and Imo States. The petition emphasized that the judiciary must remain independent and credible, particularly at a time when political tensions are threatening institutional stability.

The group further expressed confidence in the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, asserting that “the judiciary must continue to serve as the last hope of the common man, not a willing tool in the hands of political interests.” They appealed to the NJC to demonstrate that no one, regardless of position or influence, is above the law.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Justice Ladiran Akintola—at the center of the controversy—adjourned a separate Motion on Notice in a case filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi against the PDP and its Acting National Chairman. The hearing, initially scheduled for early November, was postponed to November 12 to allow both sides to file and exchange necessary court documents. During the proceedings, Justice Akintola underscored the importance of due process and adherence to proper filing procedures before substantive hearings could continue.

The latest judicial tussle underscores the deep divisions within the PDP ahead of its long-anticipated convention. While one faction, backed by Wike and his allies, continues to challenge the legitimacy of the current leadership, another faction—led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde—insists that the party must move forward with its national gathering.

Public reaction to the petition has been mixed. Some Nigerians see it as a legitimate call for accountability within the judiciary, while others dismiss it as a politically motivated attempt by the Wike camp to stall the convention and maintain influence within the party. Critics argue that Wike, who has long been accused of overreaching in his political maneuvers, may be trying to leverage the judiciary to preserve his dwindling control over PDP structures.

On social media, the story has sparked animated debate. Supporters of the Makinde-led faction mocked Wike’s group, suggesting that their influence within the PDP is waning. “Wike and his men are crying?” one commenter wrote. “Let the PDP hold its convention and move on.” Others, however, argued that the judiciary must act to preserve integrity within the legal system, with one user writing, “The judiciary must be allowed to operate independently without interference.”

Despite the ongoing disputes, the PDP’s national convention remains scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. The event is expected to determine the future of the party’s leadership and possibly set the tone for its preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts predict that the convention could either mark a reconciliation of factions or deepen the party’s internal rifts, depending on how the leadership handles the fallout.

For now, all eyes remain on the NJC’s response to the Wike faction’s petition and on how the judiciary navigates yet another politically charged dispute. Whatever the outcome, the case once again highlights the fragile intersection of law and politics in Nigeria’s democracy—and the ongoing struggle to ensure that justice remains blind in an era of partisan influence.