The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially withdrawn its lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged blockade and takeover of its national secretariat, citing a lack of confidence in the impartiality of the Federal High Court handling the matter.
In a statement on Thursday, National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong explained that the party filed a notice of discontinuance in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2520/2025, which sought a court order directing the police to vacate the PDP secretariat and restore control to the party’s legitimately elected leadership.
The PDP said the case was assigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, despite an earlier petition by the party raising concerns over the “obvious partiality” of certain judges in the Abuja division in cases involving the PDP. In the petition, the party expressed a “complete lack of faith” in the court’s ability to dispense fair justice.
After the assignment, the PDP requested Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself and return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. However, the judge reportedly insisted on hearing all pending applications, including the recusal motion, alongside the substantive case—an approach the PDP said undermined fair hearing.
Citing Order 50 Rule 2(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, the PDP withdrew the suit without court permission, noting that the notice of discontinuance was filed three days after the statement of defense and within the 14-day period allowed by law.
Despite informing the court of its withdrawal, the party alleged that the judge dismissed the case instead of striking it out, reinforcing its fears of judicial bias.
The PDP reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary while warning against the intersection of politics and justice. The party referenced the late Supreme Court Justice Niki Tobi, emphasizing that judges must remain independent and free from political influence.
While it remains unclear whether the PDP will refile the case in another court, the party stressed that its actions were aimed at protecting fair hearing and judicial independence.
