The Oyo State High Court has reaffirmed its earlier order allowing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to proceed with its national convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16. The ruling was made by Justice Ladiran Akintola on Wednesday, following a hearing on an application for joinder by new defendants in the case.

The court had initially granted an ex parte motion by PDP member Folahan Adelabi, directing the party’s leadership to adhere to its guidelines and schedule for the convention. The respondents in the case include the PDP, its acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, Governor Umar Fintiri of Adamawa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel for the proposed new defendants, Emmanuel Ukala, informed the court of his application for joinder. However, the judge noted that the affidavit in support of the application was unsigned, rendering the process incompetent. Ukala attributed the error to the court’s registry, but the claimant’s counsel, Musibau Adetumbi, and INEC’s counsel, O. Adeyemi, opposed a stand-down application to investigate the issue.

The court ultimately ruled that the unsigned affidavit was a fundamental error that could not be cured and ordered Ukala to refile his processes. Justice Akintola reaffirmed the court’s earlier order allowing the PDP to proceed with its convention, stating that the court would determine whether to vacate the order at a later date. The matter has been adjourned until Friday for the hearing of pending applications.

The ruling is significant as it clears the way for the PDP to proceed with its national convention, which is expected to be a crucial event in the party’s preparations for future elections. The court’s decision also highlights the importance of adhering to procedural rules in legal proceedings, as the unsigned affidavit was deemed a serious error that could not be overlooked. With the matter set to continue on Friday, the outcome of the case remains to be seen, and its implications for the PDP and the electoral process in Nigeria will be closely watched.