The leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has worsened, as 83 members have dragged the party’s state chairman, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and others to court over the conduct of the state congress.

The plaintiffs allege that the August 31, 2024, congress that produced Nwachukwu and other executives was “marred by exclusion and illegality,” insisting it violated the Electoral Act, 2022, and the party’s constitution.

Led by Lambert Eze, the aggrieved members accused the party of unlawfully excluding duly elected delegates from Ideato North and South Local Government Areas during the exercise.

They are seeking an order to nullify the congress, restrain current officials from parading themselves as executives, and compel the conduct of a fresh, democratically held congress that includes all qualified delegates.

Also joined in the suit are the PDP national body and 10 other individuals, including caretaker leaders of the party in Ideato North and South LGAs, Hon. Chris Ozoemenam and Hon. Dr. Sylvester Durukwuaku.

The matter, marked FHC/OW/CS/51/2025, was filed through their counsel, K.U. Alisigwe of Ononaku Chambers, Owerri.

The plaintiffs described the congress as “unlawful, null, and void,” urging the court to uphold their position and restore what they called “the integrity of internal democracy in Imo PDP.”