A Federal High Court in Abuja has officially blocked the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned national convention and promised a final ruling on the case before the end of this month.
The convention, which was scheduled for the 15th and 16th of November in Ibadan, Oyo State, is now on hold. Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, reaffirmed a previous order for all parties to maintain the “status quo,” meaning no further steps can be taken to organise the event.
The judge issued a strong warning against any attempts to ignore the court’s directive. He stated that actions meant to undermine the court’s authority would face “consequential sanctions,” and any such steps could be declared invalid.
The legal challenge was brought by three party members who hold chairman and secretary roles within the PDP in Imo, Abia, and the South-South region. They are arguing that the party failed to follow its own rules by not holding the required local congresses to elect delegates for the national convention. They contend that this failure makes the entire convention process invalid.
In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs have asked the court to stop the PDP from holding the convention unless it fully complies with the Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws. They have also sought to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any outcomes from a convention they deem improperly organised.
Assuring a swift resolution, Justice Omotosho confirmed that the judgment would be delivered before October ends, ensuring no party could use delay tactics. A definite hearing for the case has been set for Monday, October 20th.
This court order throws the main opposition party’s internal schedule into disarray, creating a major hurdle for its plans to elect new national officers and organise its leadership structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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