The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has insisted that the Federal High Court in Abuja did not halt its plans to hold the party’s 2025 National Convention, urging all members, chapters, and organs to continue preparations for the event.
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the PDP must suspend its planned National Convention until it complies with all statutory requirements outlined in the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The judgement followed a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the opposition party. In addition, the judge restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from accepting or recognising the results of any PDP convention conducted without adherence to due process and relevant laws.
However, the PDP swiftly rejected the ruling.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said the judgment does not stop it from proceeding with internal preparations for the convention to elect new national officers.
“The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” the statement read.
“However, the PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.
“Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.
“The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party.
“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.”
The party maintained that it remains committed to democratic principles and internal reforms, adding that its legal team has been instructed to file an appeal immediately to overturn the ruling.
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