PDP Vows To Proceed With Convention Despite Court Order

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that its planned elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, will go on as planned despite a Federal High Court order stopping it.

The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho in Abuja, had restrained the party from holding the convention over alleged breaches of its internal rules. The judge also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to receive, publish, or recognise any outcome from the event until the PDP complies with all statutory requirements.

However, in a statement released on Friday night, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the judgment would not stop the party from continuing its preparations for the convention.

“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.

Ologunagba stressed that the court’s decision does not invalidate the party’s ability to move forward with activities leading up to the convention.

He added, “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, chapters, and organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party.”

The spokesperson further noted that, as a party committed to the rule of law, the PDP has directed its legal team to immediately appeal the judgment.

According to him, the party remains determined to “uphold, defend, and promote multi-party democracy” in Nigeria despite attempts to frustrate its internal processes.