The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned 2025 National Convention until it complies with the Constitution, Electoral Act, and party guidelines.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday following a suit filed by three aggrieved party members—Hon Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
They approached the court to stop the convention, citing breaches of electoral and party laws.
INEC restrained from recognising convention outcome
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or recognising the outcome of any PDP convention conducted without following due process.
Justice Egwuatu ruled that INEC cannot give effect to any convention held in violation of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, or the internal regulations of political parties.
Plaintiffs challenge November convention
The plaintiffs sought to stop the PDP’s planned National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers were expected to be elected. They argued that the process breached the party’s constitution.
The nine defendants in the suit include INEC, PDP, Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.