The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its members across the country to continue preparations for its national convention despite a court order halting the exercise. The party also disclosed plans to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement issued on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja as an “assault on internal democracy” and an attempt to interfere with the party’s constitutional rights.
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had earlier restrained the PDP from going ahead with its planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the party failed to comply with key legal provisions, including the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the conduct of valid state congresses in several states before calling for a national convention.
The ruling followed a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South). The plaintiffs alleged that the party’s planned convention violated both the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
Reacting to the development, Ologunagba said the judgment does not prevent the party from moving forward with internal preparations. He cited a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the right of political parties to manage their internal affairs independently.
“The Peoples Democratic Party is appalled by the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” Ologunagba stated. “Nevertheless, the ruling does not stop us from proceeding with the processes and activities leading to our National Convention.”
He added that the PDP’s legal team had been directed to file an immediate appeal, expressing confidence that the decision would be overturned.
“As a law-abiding party committed to the rule of law and the protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, our lawyers have been instructed to take swift legal action,” he said. “We urge all members, chapters, and organs of our party to remain focused and steadfast in their preparations for the National Convention.”
