ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its planned national convention in Ibadan, citing breaches of electoral and constitutional procedures.
Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling Friday in response to a suit filed by three senior PDP officials: Austin Nwachukwu, chairman of the Imo State chapter; Amah Abraham Nnanna, chairman of Abia State; and Turnah Alabh George, secretary for the South-South region. The plaintiffs argued that the convention, scheduled for November 15–16, violated both the Electoral Act and the party’s internal regulations.
The court found that the PDP failed to conduct valid state congresses prior to organizing the convention, which was intended to elect new national officers. Justice Omotosho ruled that the party must first comply with its own constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, the judge directed the PDP to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before proceeding with any convention. He emphasized that procedural compliance is not optional and must precede any national gathering of the party.
The ruling also restrains INEC from recognizing or validating the outcome of any PDP convention held in violation of legal and regulatory frameworks. Justice Omotosho stated that INEC has no obligation to endorse results from events that disregard statutory requirements.
Nine defendants were named in the suit, including INEC, the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, and members of the party’s National Working and Executive Committees. Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi were also listed.
The plaintiffs contended that the Ibadan convention was being rushed without proper groundwork, undermining the integrity of the party’s democratic processes. They sought judicial intervention to prevent what they described as a breach of trust and governance.
Justice Omotosho dismissed preliminary objections from the defendants, who argued that the matter was an internal party issue beyond the court’s jurisdiction. The judge ruled that electoral compliance is a matter of public interest and subject to judicial review.
The decision has stirred debate within Nigeria’s political circles, with analysts warning that internal disarray could weaken the PDP’s position ahead of future elections. Party officials have yet to issue a formal response to the ruling.
