A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or publishing the results of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending compliance with relevant legal provisions.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the party failed to meet the mandatory constitutional and statutory requirements governing the conduct of its conventions.
The judge held that evidence presented by INEC and other respondents revealed that no valid congresses were conducted in some states, contrary to the party’s guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He further observed that several official documents relating to the convention were signed solely by the PDP National Chairman, without the joint signature of the National Secretary, which, according to him, violated established legal procedures.
Justice Omotosho also faulted the party for failing to give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice before holding its meetings and congresses, a requirement that allows the electoral umpire to monitor such events as stipulated by law.
“The PDP’s non-compliance with statutory provisions has placed its planned national convention in jeopardy,” the judge stated, advising the party to address the identified lapses before proceeding with the exercise.
Consequently, the court issued an order restraining INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the outcome of the convention until the party complies fully with all legal requirements.
The judgment followed a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members; Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) through their counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN).
The plaintiffs challenged the legality of the planned convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, where new national officers were to be elected.
The nine defendants in the case include INEC, the 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.
Meanwhile, members of the PDP National Convention Committee have expressed satisfaction with preparations in Ibadan ahead of the event.
Led by the Governor of Adamawa State and Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the delegation inspected facilities at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia.
The Committee Secretary, Hon. Stanley Olajide, described the level of readiness as “impressive” and commended the Oyo State Government for its support.
He said the inspection team, which included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, assessed key infrastructure including the main bowl, training pitch, lighting systems, and toilet facilities.
“Oyo State is fully prepared to host a successful convention,” Olajide told journalists after the tour.
