COURT HALTS PDP 2025 NATIONAL CONVENTION OVER CONSTITUTIONAL BREACHES
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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned 2025 National Convention, slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, pending compliance with the party’s constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act.
In his judgment on Friday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must not accept or act on the outcome of any PDP convention conducted without due adherence to these statutory provisions and the party’s internal regulations.
The decision followed a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members, who challenged the legality of the planned convention and alleged that it breached the party’s constitution.
The nine defendants in the case include INEC, the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), and key party figures Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Justice Omotosho held that INEC “is not entitled to give effect to the convention of a political party not conducted in accordance with the Constitution, Electoral Act, and the guidelines or regulations governing political parties.”
However, the PDP leadership has rejected the ruling, insisting that it does not invalidate preparations for the convention.
In a swift response, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the judgment as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” adding that the party’s legal team has been directed to appeal the verdict immediately.
“The judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, does not vitiate our ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new national officers,” Ologunagba said.
“The PDP remains committed to upholding, defending, and promoting multi-party democracy in our country.”
He reaffirmed that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling upheld the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs and urged members and organs of the party to remain focused on convention preparations.
“Our members, chapters, and organs must remain steadfast. We are determined to proceed with the National Convention to elect new officers to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years,” the statement added.
The ruling marks another twist in the internal wrangling within Nigeria’s main opposition party, as it prepares for leadership renewal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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