By Sunday Apah
The Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling on Friday to prevent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from carrying out its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15 and 16, until further notice.
In a decision on case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, Justice James Omotosho mandated the postponement of the convention until the party adheres to the requirements outlined in its own constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The lawsuit was filed by three disgruntled party members: Austin Nwachukwu (PDP chairman of Imo State), Amah Abraham Nnanna (PDP chairman of Abia State), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary for the South-South region).
The plaintiffs sought an injunction to block the PDP’s upcoming national convention in Ibadan, intended for the election of new national officials, arguing that the event contravened both the Electoral Act and the PDP’s internal regulations.
The defendants named in the case include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (the National Secretary), Umar Bature (the National Organising Secretary), along with members of the National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho concluded that evidence presented in court indicated that the PDP did not adhere to the mandates of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), INEC guidelines, and its own constitutional provisions.
The court determined that the PDP had failed to conduct valid state congresses prior to organizing the national convention to elect its national officers.
As a result, Justice Omotosho instructed the PDP to “reorganize itself internally and provide the required statutory 21-day notice to INEC before proceeding with the proposed convention.”
The judge further prohibited INEC from recognizing or accepting the results of any PDP national convention that does not comply with proper legal procedures and INEC regulations.
The court emphasized that INEC is not permitted to validate the outcomes of any political party convention that fails to meet the stipulations of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the relevant guidelines of the party.
Additionally, the court rejected preliminary objections from defendants questioning its jurisdiction, asserting that the issue at hand was not merely an internal party matter.
