BREAKING! Hon. Ajiya Drags PDP, Others to Court Over Disputed North Central Congress
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 17, 2025, for the mention of a politically sensitive lawsuit filed by Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, a leading chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the outcome of the party’s controversial North Central Zonal Congress.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025, will come up before Justice Emeka Nwite of Court 8.
The legal action arises from the PDP’s zonal congress held on May 24, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State, during which Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed was declared winner. Ajiya is suing the PDP alongside three others—the declared winner, the Chairman of the PDP North Central Zonal Congress Election Appeal Panel, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In his 16-point writ of summons, Ajiya is seeking several declarations and injunctive orders, arguing that the congress was marred by electoral fraud, vote-buying, manipulation, and a complete absence of INEC supervision. He contends that the process was illegal, unconstitutional, and fundamentally flawed.
A central part of Ajiya’s claim is that Abdulrahman Mohammed was not eligible to contest, having failed to resign from his position as Deputy National Auditor at least 30 days before the election, as stipulated by party rules and electoral guidelines.
Among the major reliefs sought are the nullification of the May 24 congress and the declaration of its outcome, an order for a fresh congress to be held in accordance with lawful procedures under INEC supervision, and an injunction restraining the PDP and INEC from recognizing or dealing with Abdulrahman Mohammed as the North Central Zonal Chairman.
Alternatively, Ajiya is asking the court to declare him the validly elected candidate, being the only aspirant who met the qualification requirements.
Describing the congress as a “monumental fraud” and “criminal hijack,” Ajiya has leveled serious allegations, including the use of pre-printed ballot papers bearing only one candidate’s name, which he says violated principles of secrecy and fairness. He also alleges that INEC declined to participate due to procedural irregularities in the invitation process, and that internal party appeal mechanisms were deliberately obstructed.
According to Ajiya, some senior PDP officials accepted bribes and worked with interests aligned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sabotage the party’s internal democracy.
The lawsuit has potentially far-reaching implications for the PDP, particularly in the North Central region, which has historically been one of the party’s strongholds. It also raises broader concerns about the credibility of internal party elections and the role of INEC in supervising them.
Ajiya’s legal team, led by S.C. Uchendu Chambers, maintains that the suit is not merely about individual ambition but about upholding the integrity of democratic processes within the party.
As the court prepares to mention the case on July 17, 2025, political observers and stakeholders across the country will be watching closely. The proceedings could set a critical precedent for how political parties in Nigeria handle internal contests and the legal responsibilities that come with them.
