The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked its members nationwide to continue preparations for its upcoming national convention, despite a Federal High Court order restraining the party from holding the event.
In a statement on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the court’s decision as “a direct assault on internal party democracy.”
He added that the party would immediately challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
The PDP had scheduled its National Elective Convention to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, but growing internal disputes have continued to plague the opposition party.
Supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, remain at odds with the leadership of the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, over control of party structures in several states, including Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau.
The crisis culminated in a lawsuit filed by three aggrieved party officials — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South PDP Secretary) — who asked the court to halt the convention, alleging procedural violations.
Delivering judgment in the case FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the PDP failed to comply with both the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its own internal rules before announcing the convention.
The judge held that the party did not conduct valid state congresses in at least 14 states, nor did it issue the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.
Consequently, the court ordered the immediate suspension of the planned convention until the party rectifies the identified irregularities and complies with all legal provisions.
Reacting to the judgment, Ologunagba insisted that the decision does not invalidate the party’s preparations for its convention.
“The judgment amounts to an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” he said.
“However, it does not vitiate our ability to continue the necessary processes towards the National Convention to elect new national officers.”
He added that the PDP has directed its legal team to file an appeal, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
Ologunagba urged members and state chapters to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the party remains committed to the rule of law and the defense of multi-party democracy.
“The PDP, as the leading opposition party in Nigeria, remains steadfast in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and internal democracy,” he stated.
