By Wole Akindele
Ado-Ekiti — The path has been cleared for the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hold its State Congress, following the dismissal of a suit filed by some aggrieved members attempting to stop the process.
On Tuesday, May 14, 2025, Hon. Justice Omotoso of the Ekiti State High Court struck out the case on procedural grounds, ruling that the plaintiffs’ suit lacked merit. The litigants had challenged the legitimacy of the PDP ward congress and filed a motion on notice on May 6, seeking to halt the ongoing congresses. However, by the time court papers were served at the party’s secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti, the local government congress had already taken place.
Legal experts say the timing of the suit rendered it ineffective. The court’s ruling was widely interpreted as a validation of the party’s internal processes and a reinforcement of the judiciary’s impartial role in upholding democratic norms.
With this legal bottleneck removed, the PDP is now expected to proceed with its State Congress, initially slated for May 17 but postponed due to the litigation.
Party leaders see the ruling as a turning point. “This is a victory for internal democracy and an opportunity for all party members to come together in unity,” said one senior PDP official who spoke anonymously.
Political observers believe the ruling may mark the beginning of a more coordinated and energized opposition in Ekiti State. With criticisms mounting over the APC-led administration under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, PDP stakeholders are hopeful that the congress will usher in a leadership team capable of mounting a formidable challenge ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
As preparations resume, party faithful are being urged to shelve personal differences and work collectively toward a successful congress and broader reconciliation efforts.
