Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from giving recognition to the outcome of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The court, in its judgement yesterday, predicated the decision on the grounds that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions but the party has said that it would appeal the judgment while the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike hailed the verdict.
The judge held that evidence from the electoral umpire and some of the respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states of the federation in breach of the law.
In addition, the court held that the signing of notices and correspondence of the PDP by its National Chairman without the National Secretary, violated the law and consequently made such notices and correspondence a nullity.
The court held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.
Justice Omotosho held that the failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy, and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.
He therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing or recognizing the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan, until the law has been complied with.
Three aggrieved members of the party who instituted the case are Hon Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 was instituted on their behalf by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Joseph Daudu.
They instituted the suit seeking to stop the planned November 15 and 16, 2025 National Convention of PDP scheduled for Ibadan in Oyo State where new National Officers are expected to be elected.
The nine defendants are, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the party, Umar Baturrle, National Organizing Secretary of the party, NWC and NEC of the party, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi.
The PDP national publicity secretary, Hon Debo Ologungaba, in a statement, however said the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.
“Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.
“The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our party.
“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country,” the party noted.
Meanwhile, the FCT minister, Wike, said his faction within the PDP would continue its internal fight to ensure that justice prevails, following a court judgment that restrained the party from proceeding with its planned National Convention.
Wike, while addressing a gathering of Concerned PDP Stakeholders at his official residence in Abuja, on Friday evening, launched an attack on the party’s national leadership, accusing it of impunity, financial misconduct, and a disregard for its own laws.
The meeting was convened hours after a court ruling effectively halted the party’s convention, a decision the minister described as a wise and good vindication of his group’s struggle.
“We are not going to abandon this party, but we are going to be inside and fight for justice to prevail,” he said.
The minister who accused the party leadership of failing to recognise the contributions of key members and of operating with unprecedented arrogance, lambasted the current leadership style, comparing it to a negligent shepherd.
