THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to proceed with preparations for its much-anticipated National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite a recent court order restraining it from holding the exercise.
News Point Nigeria reports that the decision, which underscores growing tension within Nigeria’s main opposition party, came barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja barred the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting or recognising any outcomes from the planned convention.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, ruled that the PDP had allegedly breached its own constitution in the lead-up to the proposed convention.
In his judgment, the court prohibited the party from proceeding with the event and further restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising any new set of officers that might emerge until the party complies with all statutory and constitutional requirements governing its internal operations.
The ruling followed a suit reportedly filed by aggrieved party members who accused the PDP’s leadership of disregarding due process and marginalising key stakeholders in the zoning and delegate selection process.
In a swift response, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement issued sent to News Point Nigeria on Friday night, condemned the ruling, describing it as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Honourable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” Ologunagba said.
Despite the restraining order, the party said the judgment does not nullify its right or ability to continue preparations for the convention.
“However, 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,” the statement continued.
The PDP referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment which, according to the party, affirmed the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
“Our party notes the recent judgment of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs,” Ologunagba said, urging members to stay the course.
He further charged all party members, state chapters, and organs to remain focused and united ahead of the Ibadan convention.
Ologunagba disclosed that the party’s legal team had been directed to immediately file an appeal challenging the judgment.
“As a party committed to the rule of law, we have accordingly directed our 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 said.
The statement reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy, insisting that the convention would proceed as planned, pending the outcome of the appeal.
The upcoming convention, expected to produce a new set of National Working Committee (NWC) members to lead the party for the next four years, has been a subject of intense debate within PDP circles.
As of press time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had yet to issue an official statement on whether it would comply with the court’s restraining order or attend the Ibadan convention in an observer capacity.