The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has disowned the party’s recent convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling it “unlawful, ill-conceived, and lacking legal authority.”
In a statement on Sunday, November 16, the state Publicity Secretary, Edwin Ebiese, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for staying away from the event, describing the move as a demonstration of commitment to legal and democratic principles.
“As a party that values democracy, all members of integrity must reject the Ibadan gathering, where two existing court orders were openly ignored,” Ebiese said.
He explained that a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Donatus Okorowo had earlier suspended the convention because party officials failed to follow proper internal procedures, including the signing of the notice of convention by designated officers before submission to INEC.
Ebiese further cited the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, which in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, restrained the party from proceeding with the convention on November 15 and 16.
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“This ruling reinforces the necessity of respecting the party constitution and electoral laws, showing clearly that the Ibadan gathering cannot be legally recognised,” he said.
The statement criticised members who participated despite advocating internal democracy in the past.
“We remain determined to work with true democrats to reclaim the party from those undermining it for personal interests,” Ebiese added, warning that all outcomes from the Ibadan convention are “null and void.”
He urged party members to remain composed and trust in the judiciary, stating, “Our confidence in the legal system is unwavering.”
The convention also resulted in the expulsion of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and 10 other top officials for alleged anti-party activities, escalating internal tensions within the PDP.