A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, next month.
Justice James Omotosho, who issued the interim order on Friday, also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or recognising any report or outcome from such a convention if held without compliance with due process, the party’s constitution, and extant electoral laws.
The order followed a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP, who challenged the legality of the planned convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, where new national officers are expected to emerge.
The plaintiffs argued that the proposed convention contravenes the PDP Constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that proper procedures were not followed in convening the event.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that INEC is not legally empowered to give effect to the outcome of a convention conducted in breach of the law or party regulations.“INEC is not entitled to give effect to the convention of a political party not conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the guidelines or regulations of such party,” the judge ruled.
The nine defendants in the suit include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, Umar Bature, National Organising Secretary, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
The court’s decision temporarily halts preparations for the PDP’s national convention until the substantive matter before it is determined.
