OYO COURT APPROVES PDP NATIONAL CONVENTION, ORDERS INEC TO MONITOR

Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court has granted approval for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hold its Elective National Convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In the ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Akintola directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee and monitor all proceedings of the convention in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The court’s decision effectively gives legal backing to the PDP’s plans to hold the convention in Ibadan — a move seen by analysts as a test of internal democracy and party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Akintola emphasized the need for due process and transparency in the conduct of the convention, saying INEC’s supervision would ensure compliance with the law and prevent disputes over the outcome of the exercise.

The court order also comes amid ongoing debates over the appropriateness of establishing state police in Nigeria. Political observers say the ruling underscores concerns about political neutrality and the risk of abuse if policing powers are devolved to states.

Critics argue that the struggle for political control in states could influence how state police are deployed during politically sensitive events like party conventions or elections.

With the approval, the PDP is expected to proceed with its preparations for the national convention, where key leadership positions will be contested.

INEC is also expected to deploy its officials to monitor the process and ensure it meets the standards required by the Electoral Act.