The Peoples Democratic Party has vowed to challenge the court judgment halting its national convention, describing the decision as a blow to internal democracy.
In a statement released on Friday, October 31, by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party directed its members across the country to continue preparations for the convention despite the ruling.
“Peoples Democratic Party is appalled by the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” Ologunagba said.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier stopped the PDP from going ahead with its planned National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The judge ruled that the party failed to comply with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its own internal guidelines.
The suit, filed by three aggrieved members, Austin Nwachukwu, Imo PDP Chairman; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia PDP Chairman; and Turnah Alabh George, PDP Secretary for the South-South, alleged that no valid state congresses were held in 14 states before the party announced the convention.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that the PDP did not issue the mandatory 21-day notice required by law and by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s regulations.
He therefore ordered an immediate suspension of the event until the party addresses all procedural lapses.
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However, Ologunagba maintained that the judgment does not invalidate the PDP’s ongoing preparations.
“The PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years,” he said.
He added that the PDP has directed its legal team to file an appeal immediately, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirms the right of political parties to manage their internal affairs.
“Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs,” Ologunagba noted.
The PDP’s spokesperson urged members to stay united and focused.
“The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party,” he said.
“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country,” he added.
The ruling comes amid ongoing internal wrangling within the party, particularly between factions loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, over control of party structures and zoning ahead of the convention.
With the appeal now set to move to the Court of Appeal, political observers say the coming weeks will determine whether the PDP can overcome its internal strife and present a united front before the convention.