The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the judgement delivered on Friday by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, which halted its upcoming convention, labelling it an ‘assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.’
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, asserted that the court order would not deter its plans for the national convention.
Mr Ologunagba expressed the party’s dismay at the ruling given by Justice James Omotosho, which was made in response to a suit questioning the legality of the party’s procedures leading up to the proposed convention on November 15 in Ibadan.
“The PDP asserts that the court’s judgement does not undermine its ability to continue with the processes and activities necessary for the national convention to elect new national officers who will lead the party for the next four years.
“Our party acknowledges the recent judgement from the Supreme Court, which affirms the primacy of a political party in managing its internal affairs,” he stated.
Mr Ologunagba urged party members, chapters, and organs to remain resolute and focused on preparations for the national convention as scheduled.
“As the leading opposition party in Nigeria, committed to the rule of law, PDP has instructed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgement, reflecting our unwavering commitment to uphold, defend, and promote multi-party democracy in our country,” he added.
In his ruling, Mr Omotosho restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any reports concerning the outcome of the PDP’s national convention unless conducted in accordance with the law and its established guidelines and regulations.