PDP Vows to Appeal Court Ruling Blocking National Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its intention to appeal a court ruling that halted its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16. The party views the decision as an attack on Nigeria’s democratic process and has urged its members to continue preparations for the event.
This announcement was made through a statement released by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Friday. He emphasized that the party had instructed its legal team to take immediate action to challenge the judgment. The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to upholding, defending, and promoting multi-party democracy in the country.
In a statement titled‘PDP Planned National Convention Not Vitiated by Court,’the party called on its members, chapters, and organs to remain steadfast and focused on the upcoming convention. The statement criticized the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Kolawole Omotosho, for what it described as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”
Despite the ruling, the PDP maintained that the judgment did not prevent it from proceeding with the activities leading up to the national convention, which aims to elect new national officers for the next four years. The party also referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
Legal Challenges to the Convention
The court’s decision stemmed from concerns over the legality of the notices issued by the PDP for the convention. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the party’s national officers had failed to conduct congresses in about 14 states ahead of the event, violating electoral laws. Additionally, the notices were signed only by the acting national chairman, without the signature of the national secretary, which the judge deemed invalid under the Electoral Act.
The court also noted that the PDP had not provided the required 21-day notice for meetings and congresses, hindering INEC’s ability to monitor them. As a result, the judge ordered INEC to refrain from recognizing the outcome of the convention until the party complies with the law.
Counsel for the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, and the National Working Committee (NWC), Paul Erokoro and Eyitayo Jegede, argued that such matters are internal to the party. However, the judge held that while party affairs are generally internal, the court could intervene if there was a breach of electoral laws.
Court Orders All Notices to Be Signed by National Secretary
By the court’s latest order, all party notices must now be signed by National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, who is believed to be an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The three aggrieved members, including Hon Austin Nwachukwu and Turnah Alabh George, stated they were only interested in ensuring compliance with the law and the PDP constitution.
“Impunity has no place in internal party management,” said Turnah. “We are not against the convention; the court only ordered that all steps preceding it must follow due process.”
The plaintiffs in the suit, filed on October 7, argued that INEC could not recognize any convention or congress of the PDP that failed to meet specific legal requirements outlined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
Another Court Rejects Lamido’s Request to Halt Convention
Meanwhile, another Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an application by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to stop the PDP from proceeding with its scheduled convention. Lamido, represented by his lawyer Jeph Njikonye, sought an interim order halting the event pending further hearings.
Justice Peter Lifu directed the PDP and INEC to appear within 72 hours to show cause why Lamido’s application should not be granted. Lamido argued that the party would violate its constitution and deny him the chance to contest for the position of national chairman if the convention proceeded.
The matter was fixed for further hearing on November 6, with the judge emphasizing the need to balance the interests of both parties.
Calls for Internal Dialogue and Unity
Timothy Osadolor, a member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), urged party leaders to use the court ruling as an opportunity to address internal issues. He recommended convening a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss grievances and restore unity.
Osadolor highlighted the importance of ensuring representation from all regions, particularly the South East, and stressed the need to revisit zoning arrangements. “The court is simply asking us to do what is proper before the convention,” he said.
He also warned against excluding entire zones from the process, emphasizing that transparency and inclusivity are essential for democracy.
Background to the Crisis
Since the 2023 presidential primaries that resulted in former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s nomination, the PDP has faced internal turmoil. Atiku recently left the party, aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), though he has yet to formally declare his intentions.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who lost the 2023 primary to Atiku, vowed not to work for him until then-National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu was removed. Wike and four other governors later supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earning him a ministerial position.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike has openly expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), though he insists he remains a PDP member. His actions have sparked a power struggle within the party, with analysts suggesting his moves aim to weaken the PDP to ease Tinubu’s re-election bid.