SUNTV Global Channel | January 23, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the withdrawal of its lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged blockade and takeover of its national secretariat, citing what it described as a lack of confidence in the impartiality of the Federal High Court handling the matter.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party said it formally filed a notice of discontinuance in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2520/2025, which sought an order compelling the police to vacate the PDP national secretariat and hand it over to what the party described as its legitimately elected leadership.
According to the PDP, the decision followed the assignment of the case to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, despite an earlier petition by the party raising concerns over what it termed the “obvious partiality” of three judges of the Abuja Division in matters involving the PDP.
The party said it had, in that petition, “exhaustively expressed our doubt and complete lack of faith in their capacity to fairly dispense justice in matters where the PDP is involved.”
Upon the assignment of the case, the PDP said it filed a motion requesting Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself and return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. However, the party alleged that the judge declined to hear the recusal application first, opting instead to hear all pending applications alongside the substantive suit and rule on them at judgment.
“This, in our view, defeats the principle of fair hearing, having clearly stated our complete loss of trust in her ability to be fair in this matter or any other matter concerning the PDP,” the party said.
The PDP explained that it subsequently exercised its right under Order 50 Rule 2(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 to withdraw the suit without seeking the leave of court. It noted that the notice of discontinuance was filed within three days of the last defendant’s statement of defence, well within the 14-day period allowed by law.
However, the party raised further alarm over events in court after its counsel notified the judge of the withdrawal.
“Rather than striking out the suit as required, the court listened to arguments from counsel and proceeded to dismiss the case,” the PDP stated, adding that the decision “deepens our subsisting fears about the impartiality of the court.”
While reiterating its respect for the judiciary as an institution, the PDP warned against the dangerous intersection of politics and justice in a democratic system. The party quoted late Supreme Court Justice Niki Tobi, who cautioned judges against yielding to political pressure and stressed the need for judicial independence.
“It is our prayer that politics and justice do not meet, and that our judges do not dance to the drumbeats of politicians,” the statement concluded.
The PDP did not disclose whether it plans to refile the suit before another court but maintained that its actions were driven by the need to safeguard fair hearing and uphold judicial integrity.
— SUNTV Global Channel
