By John Umeh
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or acting upon the results of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing widespread procedural irregularities and violations of the law.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, issued the restraining order on Friday while delivering judgment in a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party challenging the legality of the planned convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
Court Faults PDP’s Compliance with Electoral Laws
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to adhere to the legal framework governing internal party elections and conventions. According to him, credible evidence tendered before the court by INEC and other respondents revealed that the party did not conduct congresses in several states as required by its constitution and the Electoral Act.
He further noted that official correspondences, including notices to INEC, were signed solely by the party’s acting National Chairman without the signature of the National Secretary — a move the court described as “procedurally defective and legally invalid.”
“The signing of party notices and letters by one national officer, without the joint signature of the National Secretary, runs contrary to the express provisions of the PDP constitution,” Justice Omotosho ruled. “Such actions render the entire process void and of no legal effect.”
Failure to Notify INEC
The court also faulted the PDP for failing to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC prior to its planned congresses and convention. This lapse, according to the judge, deprived the Commission of its statutory responsibility to observe and monitor the events.
“The party’s disregard for this vital legal requirement has placed its convention in jeopardy,” the court declared. “INEC cannot lawfully recognise or publish any outcome arising from such a flawed process.”
Justice Omotosho therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the results of the scheduled convention until the PDP rectifies all identified irregularities and complies fully with legal provisions.
The Plaintiffs and Defendants
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was instituted by three senior members of the PDP — Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
The plaintiffs, represented by Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the party’s current leadership had ignored due process and acted in violation of its constitution by bypassing critical state congresses and marginalising statutory delegates.
The nine defendants listed in the case include INEC, the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Convention Committee Undeterred
Despite the legal setback, members of the PDP’s National Convention Committee have maintained that preparations for the event remain on course — at least pending further legal clarification.
During an inspection tour of facilities at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, the committee, led by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, expressed satisfaction with the level of readiness in Oyo State.
The Committee’s Secretary, Hon. Stanley Olajide, described the infrastructure as “top-class and ready to host delegates from across Nigeria,” adding that the Oyo State Government had demonstrated exceptional commitment to ensuring a successful convention.
The inspection team, accompanied by Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Miss Wasilat Adegoke, examined the main bowl, training pitches, lighting systems, and other critical facilities, which were said to be in excellent condition.
Uncertain Road Ahead
The court’s decision has thrown the PDP into a new wave of internal tension, with party stakeholders split between those calling for an immediate appeal and others urging compliance to avoid further crises.
Sources within the party hint that the leadership is considering an urgent motion for stay of execution while exploring alternative dates should the legal impasse persist.
Political analysts say the ruling could significantly affect the PDP’s internal power dynamics, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. “This is more than a legal issue; it’s a test of leadership and internal discipline,” said one Abuja-based analyst. “If not properly managed, it could deepen existing cracks within the party.”
Conclusion
As the PDP navigates yet another storm in its long history of internal wrangling, Friday’s ruling serves as a stern reminder that political parties are not above the law.
For the PDP, the challenge now is not only to fix the procedural lapses identified by the court but to restore confidence among members and demonstrate a commitment to transparent, lawful governance — both within its ranks and before the Nigerian people it hopes to lead once again.
