BREAKING NEWS: COURT STOPS PLANNED PDP NATIONAL CONVENTION OVER BREACHES OF ELECTORAL ACT AND INEC GUIDELINES

A Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a lawsuit that alleged multiple breaches of the Electoral Act 2022 and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, effectively suspends the convention which was scheduled to hold in the coming days.

The suit was filed by a group of party stakeholders who claimed the PDP failed to adhere to statutory requirements, including providing sufficient notice to INEC and ensuring proper inclusion of all delegates.

In his decision, Justice Omotosho stated, “The court is satisfied that there are clear violations of Sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act, as well as INEC’s regulations on party conventions. An injunction is hereby granted to prevent the convention from proceeding until full compliance is achieved.” The PDP has reacted swiftly, with its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, expressing shock at the ruling.

He said, “We are studying the court order and will take appropriate steps to address this. Our party remains committed to following the law, but we believe this decision is an overreach.” INEC officials confirmed that they had raised concerns about the party’s failure to submit the mandatory 21-day notice ahead of the convention.

The commission’s spokesperson, Rotimi Oyekanmi, noted, “INEC guidelines are clear, and all political parties must adhere to them to ensure the integrity of internal processes.” The court has set a date for further hearing on the matter, leaving the PDP’s plans in disarray as it seeks to resolve internal crises ahead of upcoming elections.