PDP Orders Members To Proceed With Convention Plans Despite Court Ruling
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has instructed its members nationwide to continue preparations for its national convention despite a Federal High Court order stopping the exercise. The party also announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Division, describing it as an attack on the party’s internal democracy and an attempt to stifle opposition in Nigeria.
Justice Omotosho had earlier ruled that the PDP failed to comply with the provisions of its constitution and the Electoral Act before scheduling its convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. He also faulted the party for not conducting valid state congresses in several states and for failing to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.
The ruling came after three PDP officials — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — filed a suit challenging the legality of the planned convention.
The plaintiffs argued that the process violated both the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act, urging the court to restrain the party and INEC from proceeding until proper procedures were followed.
In his decision, Justice Omotosho granted their request and ordered that the scheduled convention be suspended until the PDP rectifies all procedural and constitutional irregularities.
Responding, Ologunagba maintained that the ruling would not derail the party’s activities, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment which reaffirmed that political parties have the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs.
“The Peoples Democratic Party is appalled by the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which we consider an assault on our democratic process,” Ologunagba said. “However, this does not stop us from proceeding with our preparations for the National Convention to elect new national officers.”
He disclosed that the party’s legal team has been directed to immediately appeal the ruling, stressing the PDP’s resolve to uphold and defend multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
“Our lawyers have been instructed to file an appeal without delay,” he added. “We urge all our members, chapters, and organs to remain focused and steadfast as we continue preparations for the National Convention.”
