The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja aimed at halting its forthcoming National Convention, describing the judgment as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”
Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, insisted that the court order would not impede the PDP from going ahead with its convention scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan.
The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, arose from a legal challenge questioning the legality of the PDP’s internal procedures in organizing the convention. Ologunagba emphasized that the decision does not strip the party of its right to elect new national officers.
“The judgment of the court does not vitiate our 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,” he stated.
He also cited a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
The PDP called on all its members, chapters, and organs to remain committed and focused on preparations for the convention.
Highlighting its commitment to the rule of law, the party confirmed that it has directed its legal team to immediately appeal the judgment.
“PDP, as the leading opposition party in Nigeria, has 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,” Ologunagba said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal High Court had barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of any PDP convention that did not comply with the law and the party’s internal regulations.
