Our Convention will hold despite Court injunction – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the recent court judgment halting its planned national convention will not derail its ongoing preparations for the event.

In a statement released on Thursday by its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, the party described the ruling as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”

Last Friday, a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the opposition party from holding its national convention, which was earlier scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, ruled that the PDP failed to conduct valid state congresses before the convention as required by the 1999 Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and the party’s constitution.

The judge further ruled that notices and official documents signed by the PDP national chairman without the national secretary’s co-signature were invalid and violated due process.

He also noted that the party did not issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before convening meetings and congresses, which prevented the commission from carrying out its statutory duty of monitoring such activities.

Justice Omotosho concluded that the PDP’s failure to comply with these legal requirements had invalidated its planned convention and barred INEC from recognising or publishing any outcome from the event until the party fulfills all statutory obligations.

However, Ologunagba insisted that the judgment does not stop the PDP from continuing with activities leading to the election of new national officers who will manage the party for the next four years.

He cited a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.

“The PDP states that the judgement of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention,” Ologunagba said.

“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.”

He added that the party has instructed its legal team to immediately appeal the judgment, reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

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