The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with or recognising the outcome of its planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, granted the order following a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South)—who accused the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) of violating constitutional and procedural provisions in the lead-up to the convention.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho faulted the PDP for failing to conduct valid congresses in over 14 states and for issuing notices that were signed only by the National Chairman without the counter-signature of the National Secretary, as mandated by the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. The court further held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before the convention, rendering the entire process irregular and void.
Consequently, the judge ordered INEC not to recognise, publish, or accept the result of any PDP convention conducted in violation of the law, pending compliance with all relevant statutes and internal party regulations.
Reacting to the ruling, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the judgment as “a direct assault on democracy and the rights of political parties to manage their internal affairs.” He insisted that the decision would not derail the party’s preparations for the national convention, adding that the legal team had been instructed to file an appeal immediately.
“The Peoples Democratic Party views this judgment as a deliberate attempt to obstruct our internal democratic processes. We are confident that justice will prevail at the appellate court, and our convention will go ahead as planned,” Ologunagba said in a statement.
Party insiders disclosed that the ruling has deepened ongoing tensions within the PDP, as factions disagree over zoning arrangements, delegate lists, and leadership positions ahead of the convention. Some senior members see the court decision as a move orchestrated by internal rivals seeking to delay or manipulate the outcome of the party’s leadership transition.
Meanwhile, political observers have urged the PDP to use the opportunity to reconcile its warring factions and strengthen its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts also noted that the judgment serves as a stern reminder to political parties on the need to strictly adhere to their constitutions and the provisions of the Electoral Act in managing internal affairs.
As of press time, preparations for the November convention were still ongoing in Ibadan, though sources within the NWC hinted that the party might consider adjusting the date if necessary, depending on the outcome of the appeal.
While the PDP insists that the court’s verdict cannot halt its democratic process, all eyes are now on the Court of Appeal to determine whether the opposition party will proceed with its high-stakes convention or return to the drawing board to correct the irregularities flagged by the judiciary.