The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to proceed with its planned elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite a Federal High Court order restraining it from doing so.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier barred the party from holding the convention, citing alleged breaches of its internal rules. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to receive, publish, or recognise any outcome from the planned exercise until the PDP complies with all statutory requirements.
However, in a statement issued on Friday night, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, described the ruling as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” insisting that the judgment does not invalidate the party’s preparations for the event.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” the statement read.
Ologunagba maintained that the court’s decision does not vitiate the party’s ability to continue with the processes leading to the National Convention, where new national officers are expected to be elected to pilot the party’s affairs for the next four years.
“Our Party notes the recent judgment of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs. 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.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, Ologunagba disclosed that the PDP has instructed its legal team to immediately appeal the judgment.
“As a party committed to the rule of law, we have accordingly directed our lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country,” he said.
Despite the court’s injunction, the PDP leadership has made it clear that it will continue preparations for the Ibadan convention, describing the move as necessary to sustain internal democracy and the right of political parties to self-governance.
