The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has condemned Saturday’s national convention held in Ibadan, describing it as illegal and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, the party applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission for boycotting the convention, saying the commission’s decision demonstrated respect for the rule of law.
According to the statement, two Federal High Courts had issued orders restraining the PDP from conducting the convention, while a separate High Court in Ibadan permitted it to go ahead.
Despite the conflicting rulings, the party proceeded with the exercise, electing new national officers and dissolving some state executive committees.
Yowika dismissed the event as a “sham,” accusing its organisers of openly violating subsisting court orders.
He said INEC’s refusal to participate was a clear indication of its commitment to democratic norms and judicial integrity.
The Rivers PDP expressed optimism that a competent court would overturn the convention and urged party members to remain calm and allow the legal process to run its course.
“The ill-advised convention cannot survive judicial scrutiny, especially as the matter is already before the Court of Appeal. We place our trust in the judiciary and encourage all our members to do the same,” the statement added.
