Introduction to the Court Case
A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while delivering judgment in a suit challenging the legality of the planned convention.
Background of the Case
The judge held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant legal provisions governing the conduct of such conventions. According to him, evidence presented by INEC and some respondents showed that congresses were not held in certain states, in violation of the law. He further ruled that the signing of party notices and correspondence solely by the PDP National Chairman, without the National Secretary, contravened legal requirements and rendered such documents invalid.
Non-Compliance with Legal Requirements
In addition, Justice Omotosho noted that the PDP failed to give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice before its meetings and congresses, thereby preventing the Commission from performing its statutory duty of monitoring the events. He said the party’s non-compliance with the law had placed the planned convention in jeopardy and advised the PDP to address the lapses before proceeding with the election.
Court Ruling
Consequently, the court restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan until the party complies with all legal requirements. The case was filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP — Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South). They were represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Joseph Daudu.
Details of the Suit
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, seeks to halt the planned PDP National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are expected to be elected. The nine defendants in the case are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organizing Secretary), the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Preparation for the Convention
Meanwhile, members of the PDP Convention Committee have expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and facilities put in place for the high-profile event. It will be recalled that members of the PDP Convention Committee, led by its Chairman and Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, had earlier visited Ibadan to inspect facilities at both the Lekan Salami Sports Complex and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia.
Inspection of Facilities
The Secretary of the Committee, Hon. Stanley Olajide, gave the commendation during an inspection tour of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, the proposed venue for the convention. The inspection team, led by the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, was received by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, who conducted them around the facilities. Areas inspected included the main bowl, toilet facilities, training pitch, lighting systems, and other essential infrastructure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the court’s ruling has significant implications for the PDP’s national convention, and the party must take immediate action to address the lapses identified by the court. The party’s failure to comply with legal requirements has put the convention in jeopardy, and it is essential that the PDP takes steps to rectify the situation to ensure a successful and legitimate convention.
FAQs
- What is the main issue with the PDP’s national convention?
The main issue is the party’s failure to comply with relevant legal provisions governing the conduct of such conventions. - What is the court’s ruling?
The court has restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the outcome of the convention until the party complies with all legal requirements. - What are the legal requirements that the PDP failed to comply with?
The PDP failed to hold congresses in certain states, failed to give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice before its meetings and congresses, and failed to sign party notices and correspondence with the National Secretary. - What is the significance of the court’s ruling?
The court’s ruling has significant implications for the PDP’s national convention, and the party must take immediate action to address the lapses identified by the court.
Source: guardian.ng
