BREAKING: Court Halts PDP National Convention Scheduled for Ibadan
A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its national convention earlier slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Justice James Omotosho issued the interim order on Friday while ruling on a motion filed by three party officials — Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State Chairman), and Turnah George (South-South Secretary).
The plaintiffs, reportedly allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asked the court to halt preparations for the convention on grounds that the PDP failed to comply with its constitution, the 1999 Constitution, and provisions of the Electoral Act.
They alleged that no congresses were conducted in 14 states, a development which, according to them, invalidates the foundation of the planned national convention.
The defendants in the suit include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, as well as the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Counsel to the plaintiffs argued that the issue before the court concerns the legality of the process leading to the convention, not an internal party matter.
The PDP, however, contended that the case falls strictly within its internal affairs and accused the claimants of attempting to destabilise the party’s leadership transition process.
Further hearing on the matter has been adjourned to a date to be communicated by the court.