The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention has been deemed valid and legally recognized by the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi. Despite initial conflicting court rulings, Amadi emphasized that the most recent court order issued before the convention took precedence, rendering previous contradictory orders ineffective.

In an interview with Arise News, Amadi attributed the controversy surrounding the party’s leadership crisis to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to fulfill its regulatory duties and the issuance of “contradictory and unnecessary” ex parte orders by courts. He argued that the convention was backed by law, citing the latest court decision as evidence.

Amadi stated that the situation highlights a growing problem in Nigeria, where political actors often seek favorable injunctions rather than following established procedures. He criticized INEC for abandoning its quasi-judicial responsibilities by constantly deferring to the courts, instead of verifying and making determinations on party leadership documents.

According to Amadi, the current Board of Trustees (BoT) has been functional for over three years and cannot be replaced arbitrarily. He clarified that the Supreme Court’s ruling on judicial intervention in party matters only bars courts from selecting party leaders, not from reviewing whether parties obey their internal rules.

The recent expulsions of high-profile members, including Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, have raised concerns about due process. Amadi emphasized the need for adherence to party procedures but questioned the loyalty of party figures allegedly working with rival political platforms.

The legitimacy of the PDP’s national convention has significant implications for the party’s future and the country’s political landscape. As the party navigates its internal conflicts, it remains to be seen how the courts and INEC will respond to the ongoing crisis. The situation underscores the need for clarity and consistency in the application of electoral laws and regulations in Nigeria.