The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the planned 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, pending compliance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and other statutory requirements.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must not recognize or give effect to any convention conducted in violation of the law or the party’s internal regulations.
“The INEC is not entitled to give effect to a convention of a party not done in accordance with the Constitution, Electoral Act, and the guidelines or regulations of political parties,” the judge ruled.
The decision followed a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members, who argued that preparations for the convention breached the party’s constitutional provisions.
The nine defendants in the case include INEC, the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
The court’s injunction effectively halts all plans for the convention where new national officers were expected to emerge, pending further compliance and legal clarification.
