Court Bars INEC From Recognising PDP Convention Results, Cites Breach Of Party Rules

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling delivered on Friday, held that the PDP failed to comply with the provisions of its constitution and other relevant laws guiding the conduct of conventions.

According to the judge, evidence presented by INEC and other respondents revealed that congresses were not conducted in several states, contrary to the legal requirements for holding a national convention.

He further ruled that any document signed solely by the PDP National Chairman without the endorsement of the National Secretary was invalid, describing such actions as a breach of the law.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the party for failing to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before holding its meetings and congresses, which would have allowed the commission to monitor the process.

Consequently, the court restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising any results from the proposed Ibadan convention until the PDP complies fully with legal and constitutional procedures.

The ruling followed a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — who accused the party’s National Chairman of mishandling its affairs amid the ongoing leadership crisis.