The internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Friday when confusion broke out at the Federal High Court in Abuja after two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) simultaneously laid claim to representing the opposition party in a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The unusual development unfolded before Justice Salim Ibrahim during proceedings in a case filed by the party's Board of Trustees (BoT), a move that further exposed the deep divisions within the PDP over its leadership structure.

The courtroom atmosphere became tense when Chief Gordy Uche (SAN) announced his appearance for all the plaintiffs in the suit, including the PDP, which is listed as the eighth plaintiff.

However, moments later, another senior lawyer, Sunday Ameh (SAN), rose to inform the court that he was also representing the PDP.

The conflicting claims immediately triggered confusion among lawyers and party members present in court, as questions emerged over who had the legitimate mandate to speak for the party.

The suit was instituted by the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees, which is seeking a court order directing INEC to recognise and publish on its official website an interim National Working Committee (NWC) reportedly headed by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

The plaintiffs are also asking the court to compel the electoral commission to update its records to reflect the interim leadership, which they said was approved by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) and communicated to INEC through letters dated May 4.

Court documents showed that the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a legal team led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN).

Among those listed as plaintiffs are former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, former Niger State Governor and BoT Secretary Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana, PDP chieftain Chief Olabode George, former Ministers Maryam Ciroma and Zainab Maina, as well as Dame Esther Uduehi.

INEC is the sole defendant in the case.

Friday's courtroom drama comes amid growing uncertainty over the leadership of the PDP, with rival blocs within the party staking claims to authority and seeking institutional recognition.

Several key figures in the dispute were present during the proceedings, including Turaki, who is being projected by a faction as interim national chairman of the party, and Prof. Jerry Gana, one of the plaintiffs in the suit.

Political observers say the dispute over legal representation could become a crucial issue in the case, as it reflects the broader struggle for control of the PDP's structures and decision-making organs.

The matter is expected to continue before Justice Ibrahim at a later date.