PDP’s Determination to Proceed with National Convention Amid Legal Challenges
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with its elective national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, despite a recent Federal High Court order that sought to prevent it from doing so. The party’s leadership has expressed confidence in its legal position, citing a Supreme Court judgment that affirms the exclusive authority of political parties over their internal affairs.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, described the latest court ruling as “a waste of time.” He emphasized that the party is guided by the Supreme Court’s decision, which upholds the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal matters. Abdullahi stated that the PDP was formed by Nigerians, not by the courts, and that the party would not be swayed by what he called “procured judgments.”
The court order came after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an injunction prohibiting the PDP from holding the convention. This ruling directly contradicts a previous decision by the Oyo State High Court, which allowed the party to proceed with the event. Some legal analysts have criticized this situation as an abuse of the court process, highlighting the conflicting rulings from different judicial bodies.
Abdullahi responded to the court’s decision by asserting that the PDP could not be stopped. He emphasized that the party had already made significant progress and would not retreat. “We are not a political party founded by a court of law but by Nigerians, and we are expected to listen to Nigerians, not to procured judgments,” he said. He also noted that while the court may choose to appeal the judgment, the PDP would continue with its plans.
Legal Disputes Over the Convention
Justice Lifu’s order came during the hearing of a suit filed by Sule Lamido, a national chairmanship aspirant and former Jigawa State governor. Lamido sought an interim injunction to prevent the PDP from conducting the convention until his substantive motion could be heard. He alleged that he had been denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, arguing that the process violated his rights and the party’s constitution.
The judge ruled that the balance of convenience favored Lamido, as he would suffer greater losses if excluded from the process. He also cautioned that the rule of law must be strictly followed to safeguard democracy, noting that the court had a duty under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to intervene where necessary.
This ruling follows another similar decision by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, when he barred the PDP from holding the convention over alleged irregularities in the conduct of state congresses in about 14 states. However, on November 4, Justice O. A. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court issued a contrary order approving the convention, pending the determination of a suit filed by a PDP member in Oyo State, Folahan Malomo Adelabi.
Potential for an Interim Management Committee
A member of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), Timothy Osadolor, warned that the party might be forced to constitute an interim management committee if “reason does not prevail.” He criticized the judiciary for issuing “judgments for pay” and called on the National Judicial Council to take action. Osadolor expressed concern that the ongoing legal disputes could lead to uncertainty within the party, potentially forcing it to set up an interim management committee to run the party if the convention cannot be held within the stipulated timeframe.
He urged all stakeholders to come together and work in the collective interest of the party rather than for individual or small group interests. “It’s not too late, but as the clock ticks, it’s moving us closer to a situation where we may not be able to hold the convention within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.
Accusations of a One-Party State
Eddy Olafeso, a former National Vice Chairman of the PDP, accused those opposing the party’s national convention of working to establish a one-party state in Nigeria. He described the court’s decision as “the climax of judicial rascality” and insisted that the PDP would not be deterred by the ruling. “We will not allow this. I’m energised, like many of our colleagues, that this shall not stand. The truth and justice must prevail,” he said.
Olafeso also criticized some former members for betraying the party after benefiting from it. He claimed that those working against the PDP had ulterior motives aimed at weakening the opposition and entrenching a one-party state.
Final Preparations for the Convention
Meanwhile, members of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) were in Ibadan on Tuesday to inspect the venue for the convention. The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, who chairs the Venue Subcommittee of the 2025 PDP National Convention, led the inspection at the Lekan Salami Stadium. The committee also held a meeting with stadium managers and contractors to finalize logistics ahead of Saturday’s convention.
