A major legal showdown is brewing at the Federal High Court in Abuja as Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, a notable chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), drags the party and three others to court over the disputed North Central Zonal Congress held on May 24, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.
The suit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025, is slated for mention before Justice Emeka Nwite of Court 8 on July 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Ajiya’s legal representation is being handled by S.C. Uchendu of the Abuja-based S.C. Uchendu Chambers.
In a comprehensive 16-point writ of summons, Ajiya is seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs against the PDP, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed (who was declared the winner of the congress), the Chairman of the PDP North Central Zonal Congress Election Appeal Panel, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He is challenging the legality and constitutionality of the process that produced Mohammed as Zonal Chairman.
According to Ajiya, the congress was fraught with irregularities, including vote-buying, manipulation of results, and the absence of oversight by INEC, which he claims was due to an improperly signed invitation letter. He also alleges that ballots were pre-printed with only one candidate’s name, thereby undermining the integrity of the election. Furthermore, he contends that Mohammed was statutorily unqualified to contest the election, as he failed to resign from his position as Deputy National Auditor 30 days prior to the congress, as stipulated by law.
Ajiya is seeking the nullification of the May 24 congress and the disqualification of Mohammed’s declaration as winner. He is urging the court to mandate a fresh congress to be conducted in accordance with lawful procedures and under INEC’s supervision. Additionally, he seeks an injunction restraining INEC and the PDP from recognizing or dealing with Mohammed as the North Central Zonal Chairman.
In the alternative, Ajiya requests that the court declare him the validly elected Zonal Chairman, arguing that he remains the only aspirant who met the eligibility criteria.
Describing the congress as a “monumental fraud” and a “criminal hijack of the democratic process,” Ajiya accused certain senior figures within the PDP of accepting bribes and working in collusion with interests in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to derail the PDP’s internal democracy. He further alleged that internal appeal mechanisms were deliberately obstructed to prevent redress.
The case has sparked significant attention within political circles, with many observers viewing it as a litmus test for the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy and transparency. It also places INEC under scrutiny regarding its role in overseeing party primaries and congresses.
As the July 17 court date approaches, stakeholders within and outside the PDP are closely watching the developments, which may reshape the political dynamics of the North Central region, a traditional stronghold of the opposition party.