The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Friday’s ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which halted its planned 2025 national convention, describing the decision as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had restrained the opposition party from proceeding with its convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending full compliance with statutory requirements outlined in the party’s Constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act.
The suit was filed by three aggrieved PDP members, who alleged breaches of the party’s internal procedures ahead of the convention where new national officers were expected to emerge.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or acting on any report from a PDP convention not conducted in strict accordance with relevant laws and guidelines.
Justice Omotosho ruled that “INEC cannot give effect to any convention conducted outside the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the guidelines governing political parties.”
The nine defendants in the case include INEC, the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), as well as Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, expressed the party’s strong dissatisfaction, saying it was “appalled” by the judgment.
The party insisted that the ruling does not prevent it from continuing preparations for its national convention.
“This judgment does not vitiate the PDP’s ability to proceed with all processes and activities toward the National Convention to elect new National Officers who will steer the affairs of the party for the next four years,” the statement read.
The PDP further cited a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs, stressing that its structures across the nation should remain focused and resolute.
The party said it has directed its legal team to file an appeal immediately, reaffirming its commitment to multi-party democracy and the rule of law.
“As the leading opposition party in Nigeria, we remain unwavering in our determination to defend and promote democracy. Our lawyers have been instructed to take immediate steps to appeal this judgement,” Ologunagba added.
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