A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), preventing it from recognizing the outcome of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Friday in a suit challenging the legality of the convention. The court ruled that the PDP failed to comply with the laws and conditions governing such conventions.
Evidence presented by INEC and several respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states, breaching the law. The court also found that the PDP’s National Chairman signed notices and correspondence without the National Secretary, a violation that rendered those documents null and void. Additionally, the PDP did not issue the mandatory 21‑day notice of meetings and congresses, which would have allowed INEC to monitor the events properly.
Justice Omotosho stated that the PDP’s non‑compliance jeopardizes the planned convention and advised the party to take the necessary steps to comply with the law before proceeding with the election. Consequently, INEC is restrained from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan until legal compliance is achieved.
This development could have significant implications for the PDP’s plans and the overall electoral process in Nigeria. The ruling underscores the importance of adhering to electoral laws and regulations to ensure the integrity and legitimacy of elections. The PDP’s National Convention, a crucial event shaping the party’s direction and leadership ahead of future elections, may be postponed or reorganized to meet legal requirements. INEC will likely play a key role in monitoring the situation and ensuring the PDP complies with the necessary regulations before recognizing the convention’s outcome.
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