The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from going ahead with its planned national convention, citing non-compliance with electoral and party laws.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the opposition party failed to meet the legal requirements necessary for conducting such a convention.
According to the court, evidence presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other respondents revealed that the PDP did not hold congresses in several states as required by law, thereby violating key provisions guiding internal party democracy.
The judge further declared that documents and notices issued by the PDP’s National Chairman without the endorsement of the National Secretary were invalid, describing such actions as a clear breach of the party’s constitution.
In addition, Justice Omotosho faulted the PDP for not giving INEC the mandatory 21-day notice ahead of its meetings and congresses, which he said prevented the commission from fulfilling its legal duty of monitoring the processes.
By failing to observe these statutory conditions, the court held, the PDP had jeopardised the integrity of the proposed convention and must first rectify the identified irregularities before proceeding.
Consequently, the court issued an order restraining INEC from monitoring, accepting, or recognising the results of the planned convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, until full compliance with the law is achieved.
