A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped INEC from recognising the PDP convention in Ibadan, citing major legal violations and internal irregularities.
The PDP convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, has suffered a major setback as the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or acting upon its outcome.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, ruled that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) failed to comply with crucial legal and constitutional requirements before organising the planned gathering.
The court’s verdict marks a decisive blow to the opposition party’s efforts to reposition itself ahead of future elections. The judgment, according to legal experts, underscores the importance of internal democracy and due process in political party management.
Justice Omotosho held that the PDP did not follow mandatory provisions of its constitution before fixing the national convention.
The judge cited multiple procedural violations, including the failure to hold congresses in several states, a breach that undermines the legitimacy of delegates who would have participated in the Ibadan meeting.
He ruled that the evidence presented by INEC and other respondents confirmed that the party’s internal processes were deeply flawed. “No political party can operate outside its own constitution and still expect to enjoy legal recognition,” Justice Omotosho declared.
The court also found that official notices and correspondences from the PDP were signed solely by the National Chairman, without the mandatory counter-signature of the National Secretary. Justice Omotosho described this as a clear violation of the party’s internal rules and a serious procedural defect.
“The PDP constitution provides that official communications and decisions must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary. Any deviation renders such acts invalid,” the judge explained. This finding, the court noted, effectively nullifies the letters and notifications related to the planned PDP convention.
In another major finding, Justice Omotosho criticised the party for failing to issue INEC the legally required 21-day notice before holding meetings or congresses. He emphasised that this statutory notice is crucial to enable INEC to monitor and certify the transparency of party activities.
The judge stressed that by ignoring this mandatory provision, the PDP undermined both internal and external accountability mechanisms that guarantee fairness in political party operations.
“The law does not permit shortcuts in political administration. Every requirement serves a purpose, and any breach puts the integrity of the process in question,” he ruled.
As a result of the multiple infractions, Justice Omotosho ordered INEC not to receive, publish, or recognise any outcome from the proposed PDP convention in Ibadan until the party fully complies with its constitutional and statutory obligations.
“The People’s Democratic Party must put its house in order before proceeding with its convention,” the court stated, adding that continued defiance could attract further legal consequences.
The judgment followed a suit filed by three senior members of the PDP: Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Imo State chapter; Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the Abia State chapter; and Turnah Alabh George, Secretary of the party’s South-South zone.
In their suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, the plaintiffs accused the party’s National Chairman of managing the party “in an autocratic and unconstitutional manner,” leading to widespread discontent among members.
They argued that the decision to hold the Ibadan PDP convention without following proper procedures was an attempt to consolidate power within a faction of the party.
The plaintiffs maintained that the convention, if allowed to proceed, would further deepen internal crises, disenfranchise legitimate stakeholders, and compromise the unity of the opposition party.
Political analysts view the ruling as a significant step toward strengthening internal democracy among Nigerian political parties. They note that many parties often treat their constitutions as optional, leading to recurring leadership disputes and factional divisions.
Legal observers have praised Justice Omotosho’s ruling for reinforcing accountability within party structures.
According to constitutional lawyer Barr. Ifeoma Olaniyi, “This decision serves as a warning that no political organisation is above the law. The judiciary has once again demonstrated its readiness to safeguard democratic principles.”
The court’s decision, she said, could also set a precedent compelling all political parties to adhere strictly to internal processes before seeking recognition from INEC.
Reactions have begun to pour in from across the political spectrum. Some PDP members expressed disappointment, describing the judgment as a “temporary setback,” while others hailed it as a “victory for transparency.”
Sources within the PDP National Secretariat revealed that the leadership is currently consulting its legal team and may appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, INEC officials have confirmed their intention to obey the court order, stating that the commission will only monitor and recognise conventions that comply with the law.
“The Commission respects the decisions of the judiciary and will act in accordance with the order,” an INEC source said.
With the injunction now in effect, the future of the PDP convention remains uncertain. The ruling effectively stalls the party’s plans to elect new national officers and restructure its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts believe the court order could either push the PDP toward greater unity through compliance or trigger fresh divisions if opposing factions attempt to defy the directive.
Party insiders fear that prolonged legal battles could weaken its organisational structure further, reducing its effectiveness as the major opposition to the ruling party.
For now, the court’s message is clear: the PDP convention cannot proceed without full compliance with both the party’s constitution and Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Whether the PDP chooses to reform its internal systems or challenge the ruling in a higher court will determine its credibility and strength in the coming political seasons.
The decision of the Federal High Court to restrain INEC from recognising the PDP convention in Ibadan stands as a strong affirmation of judicial oversight and the rule of law. It underscores that even major political parties must respect due process, internal democracy, and constitutional obligations.
Until these conditions are met, the planned convention — once viewed as a turning point for the PDP — remains suspended, leaving the future of Nigeria’s leading opposition party hanging in the balance.
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