By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the results of the planned 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling on Friday while delivering judgment in a suit that questioned the legality of the proposed convention.
In his decision, Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to comply with key legal requirements governing the organisation of such conventions. Evidence presented by INEC and some respondents, he said, showed that congresses were not conducted in several states, contrary to the provisions of the law.
The court further ruled that official notices and correspondences signed solely by the PDP National Chairman, without the National Secretary’s endorsement, were invalid. It also faulted the party for failing to give the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC ahead of its meetings and congresses—an omission that prevented the commission from fulfilling its duty of monitoring the process.
Justice Omotosho stated that these violations have cast doubt on the legality of the planned convention and advised the PDP to remedy the lapses before proceeding.
Accordingly, the court restrained INEC from accepting, publishing, or recognizing any outcome of the convention, which is scheduled to hold in Ibadan, until the party complies fully with the law.
