Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from giving recognitoin to the outcome of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State
The court, in its judgement on Friday, predicated the decision on the grounds that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such national convention.
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 correspondences of the PDP by its National Chairman without the National Secretary violated the law and consequently made such notices and correspondences a nullity.
The court held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC to 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 national convention in jeopardy and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary things before going ahead with the elective convention.
He, therefore, restrained INEC from receiving, publishing or recognising the outcome of the convention slated until the law has been complied with.
