Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja were thrown into confusion on Friday after two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) appeared separately claiming to represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a leadership-related case against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The case is part of an ongoing dispute over the recognition of a factional PDP National Working Committee (NWC).
The matter, heard before Justice Salim Ibrahim, was filed by members of the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) alongside the PDP.
The plaintiffs are seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led interim National Working Committee and update its official records and website accordingly.
According to court filings, the disputed list of party executives was allegedly submitted to INEC through correspondence dated May 4.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a legal team led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.
Among the plaintiffs are former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, former Governor of Niger State Muazu Babangida Aliyu, ex-Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, and PDP stalwart Chief Olabode George.
Others include Hajiya Maryam Ciroma, Hajiya Zainab Maina, and Dame Esther Uduehi, with the PDP listed as the eighth plaintiff. INEC is the sole defendant in the case.
Tension arose when Chief Gordy Uche, SAN, announced his appearance for all plaintiffs, including the PDP.
However, shortly afterward, another Senior Advocate, Mr Sunday Ameh, SAN, also rose in court claiming to represent the PDP as the eighth plaintiff.
The conflicting appearances created uncertainty in court, leading to momentary confusion among counsel and observers.
Key figures within the PDP leadership dispute, including Kabiru Turaki, alongside other party stakeholders such as Prof. Jerry Gana, were present during the proceedings.
The case highlights ongoing internal tensions within the opposition party over leadership structure and official recognition.
The court is expected to continue hearing the matter at a later date.
