The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja that stopped its forthcoming national convention, describing the ruling as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party expressed shock and disappointment over the decision of Justice James Omotosho, who restrained the PDP from proceeding with its November 15 convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to Ologunagba, the ruling will not affect the party’s resolve to go ahead with its preparations for the national convention, which he said is a constitutional exercise aimed at electing new national officers to steer the party’s affairs for the next four years.
He insisted that the court order cannot invalidate the ongoing processes, stressing that the PDP remains guided by democratic principles and will continue to exercise its rights under the law.
“The judgment of the court does not vitiate our ability to proceed with activities leading to the national convention,” Ologunagba said. “Our party also takes note of the recent Supreme Court decision affirming the supremacy of political parties in the management of their internal affairs.”
He called on party members and organs across all levels to remain focused, united, and committed to the success of the convention despite the court’s pronouncement.
The PDP spokesman further disclosed that the party has directed its legal team to immediately appeal the judgment, emphasizing that as the main opposition party, it remains committed to defending and promoting democracy in Nigeria.
“Our lawyers have been instructed to take necessary legal action to challenge this ruling,” Ologunagba added. “The PDP will not be deterred in its mission to protect the democratic rights of Nigerians and ensure that multiparty democracy continues to thrive.”
Justice Omotosho had earlier ruled that the PDP failed to comply with mandatory provisions of the law in the conduct of its congresses and internal processes, which formed the basis of the suit that led to the suspension of the planned convention.
