A Nigerian court has invalidated a local government congress organized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, dealing a significant blow to the party’s internal processes ahead of critical elections. The Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti ruled on Friday that the May 2025 congress, which aimed to select delegates and officials, was conducted unlawfully. In contrast, it affirmed the legitimacy of an earlier ward congress held on March 15, 2025, which established new leadership across all 177 wards in the state.
Justice Bamidele Omotosho, presiding over the case, emphasized that the court could not entertain litigation rooted in unsubstantiated claims. The ruling leaned heavily on uncontested evidence and affidavits, which confirmed irregularities in the disputed local government congress. Among key decisions, the court recognized a claimant as the lawfully elected chairman and delegate for Ward 1 in Ado-Ekiti, asserting that the PDP’s 2024 convention guidelines had been breached during the later congress.
Further, Justice Omotosho deemed the delegate list submitted by PDP officials to electoral bodies “invalid” for violating Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and the national constitution. A permanent injunction was issued to bar party authorities from using the contested list, while actions taken in defiance of previous court orders related to the ward elections were nullified as “contemptuous.” The judge urged compliance with the ruling, cautioning against attempts to circumvent judicial authority.
The decision has spotlighted intra-party tensions within Nigeria’s PDP, one of the country’s leading political groups. Funsho Ayeni, a senior PDP member, framed the court’s intervention as a pivotal moment for unity. “This judgment opens a path for reconciliation,” he said. “Our focus must now shift to consolidating the party’s strength before the 2026 governorship election, where victory against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is non-negotiable.”
The ruling underscores lingering challenges in Nigeria’s party governance, particularly as the PDP prepares for future polls. Legal analysts note that adherence to internal guidelines and court rulings remains critical to avoiding electoral disqualifications or further disputes. With the 2026 Ekiti governorship race looming, the PDP faces pressure to resolve factional divides and streamline its candidate selection processes to avoid undermining its competitiveness.
Justice Omotosho’s stern rebuke of non-compliance serves as a broader reminder of Nigeria’s judiciary’s assertiveness in electoral matters, reflecting constitutional safeguards against procedural violations. The case also highlights the role of courts in mediating political conflicts, ensuring parties adhere to both legal frameworks and their own governing rules. For now, the PDP’s ability to unify its ranks will likely determine its prospects in a state historically marked by close electoral contests.
