Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the judgment delivered on Friday by a Federal High Court in Abuja stopping on its forthcoming convention as an ‘assault on Nigeria’s democratic process’.
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the judgment delivered on Friday by a Federal High Court in Abuja stopping on its forthcoming convention as an ‘assault on Nigeria’s democratic process’.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, maintained that the court order would not stop its planned national convention.
Ologunagba said that the party was appalled by the judgment delivered by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, in a suit challenging the legality of the party’s processes leading to its planned Nov. 15 convention in Ibadan.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Ologunagba urged party members, chapter and organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the national convention as scheduled.
“PDP, as the leading opposition party in Nigeria committed to the rule of law has, accordingly, directed its 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 News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that Omotosho had, in his ruling, restrained Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting report on the outcome of any national convention of PDP without following the due process of the law as well as its guidelines and regulations.(NAN)(
Bode George faults court ban on PDP convention
A former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has strongly criticised the court ruling halting the party’s forthcoming national convention.
By Adeyemi Adeleye
A former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has strongly criticised the court ruling halting the party’s forthcoming national convention.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday restrained the PDP from holding its national convention scheduled for Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 in Ibadan.
The ruling followed a suit alleging that the party failed to comply with the 1999 Constitution, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and its own constitution while preparing for the event.
Justice Omotosho held that the PDP did not conduct valid state congresses before planning to elect new national officers, adding that such lapses undermined internal democracy.
The order effectively stalls preparations for the opposition party’s leadership renewal, raising concerns about its internal cohesion and readiness for future national elections.
Reacting, George described the judgment as shocking and dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic stability, warning that it could set a troubling precedent.
He argued that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference, except in clear cases of constitutional breach.
“This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George said in a statement.
The PDP chieftain called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an unjustifiable intervention capable of triggering disorder.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he added.
George questioned the basis of the ruling, insisting that INEC monitored all PDP congresses nationwide and did not raise objections or report irregularities.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” he queried.
He noted that the PDP, which has existed since 1998, has a long tradition of following due process in its internal operations, including congresses and conventions.
According to him, the decision undermines party autonomy and risks weaponising the judiciary against political stability in Africa’s largest democracy.
George stressed that resolving internal disputes through established party mechanisms remains fundamental to democratic development.
He urged PDP members to remain calm and committed to lawful processes while pursuing legal remedies to overturn the ruling.
The party is expected to explore further legal options in the coming days as it seeks to safeguard its internal procedures and rebuild momentum ahead of future elections. (NAN)
Court ruling won’t stop PDP’s Nov. 15 national convention – Ologunagba
