…Orders Party To Comply With Constitution, Electoral Act Before Proceeding
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing violations of electoral and constitutional provisions.
Delivering judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, Justice James Omotosho ordered the PDP to suspend the event pending compliance with its own constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act.
The ruling followed a suit filed by three party officials — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South). The plaintiffs argued that the planned convention, meant to elect new national officers, breached internal rules and statutory guidelines.
The nine defendants in the matter include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), the National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Justice Omotosho held that evidence before the court confirmed the PDP’s failure to conduct valid state congresses before scheduling the national convention. He therefore ordered the party to “go back and put its house in order,” and to issue the statutory 21-day notice to INEC before rescheduling the event.
The court also restrained INEC from recognising or acting on the outcome of any PDP convention not conducted in line with due process, constitutional provisions, and INEC’s regulations.
“The electoral body is not entitled to validate the outcome of any political party convention that contravenes the law or party guidelines,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
The court further dismissed preliminary objections raised by the defendants challenging its jurisdiction, holding that the matter transcends internal party affairs since it involves compliance with national electoral laws.
Further details of the judgment are expected later.
