A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing, publishing, or giving effect to the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) forthcoming 2025 National Convention.
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Delivering judgment in a suit challenging the convention’s legality, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the PDP failed to comply with statutory requirements, rendering the planned event unlawful.
The court found that ward, local government, and state congresses were not conducted in several states, in violation of the Electoral Act and PDP’s constitution. Evidence from INEC and some respondents confirmed the lapses.
Justice Omotosho further held that notices and correspondence signed solely by the National Chairman without the National Secretary were null and void, breaching party rules.
Additionally, the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC for monitoring congresses and meetings, hindering the commission’s oversight duties.
“The failure to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy,” the judge stated, advising the party to rectify the defects before proceeding.
Consequently, the court barred INEC from engaging with the convention scheduled for Ibadan until full legal compliance is achieved.
