Abuja: The Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the planned 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday, ruling that the convention cannot proceed until the party fully complies with the provisions of its constitution and the Electoral Act.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the decision followed a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members, who alleged that the party failed to follow due process in the lead-up to the convention, where new national officers were to be elected.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising, accepting, or acting on any outcome or report of a PDP convention not conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and its internal regulations.
The judge further held that INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure that all political party activities, including conventions, comply with legal and statutory requirements before recognition can be granted.
The nine defendants in the suit include INEC, the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.