The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a judgment stopping the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from holding its national convention until it complies with statutory requirements. Justice James Omotosho ruled in favor of three aggrieved party members, also barring the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognizing the outcome of any non-compliant convention.
The court’s decision has been welcomed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who described it as a move against impunity. Addressing PDP stakeholders from 12 states, including the FCT, Wike expressed mixed emotions about the verdict. He stated that while it is a positive development in the fight against impunity, it is also a sad day due to the party’s current state.
Wike emphasized the importance of leadership and the need for party leaders to recognize the sacrifices of stakeholders. He urged the stakeholders to continue standing by the truth and not relent in their efforts. The former Rivers State governor noted that the party has never been in such disarray, and the current situation is a result of arrogance and disregard for the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The judgment is a significant development in the ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP. The party had planned to hold its national convention in 2025, but the court’s ruling has put the event on hold. The INEC has also been instructed not to accept or recognize the outcome of any convention that does not comply with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The PDP has been facing internal crises, with various factions and stakeholders disagreeing on the party’s leadership and direction. The court’s judgment is likely to further exacerbate these tensions, as different groups within the party may have varying interpretations of the ruling. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the PDP will respond to the judgment and move forward with its plans for the 2025 national convention.
