PDP Crisis: Court Rulings Clash Over National Convention

The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has responded to recent court rulings concerning the party’s upcoming national convention. Chapter Chairman Amah Abraham told Arise Television that a judgment from the Court of Appeal could potentially override the Federal High Court’s decision on the convention.

Abraham explained that the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had taken precedence over a separate ruling by a High Court in Oyo State. The Federal High Court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the 2025 National Convention, which is scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan. Subsequently, the Oyo State High Court ordered the PDP and its National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to proceed with the convention.

Emphasizing the rule of law and due process, Abraham argued that the Federal High Court’s judgment should supersede the state high court’s ruling. He said he and thousands of PDP members have accepted the Federal High Court’s decision and will not participate in any congress that does not follow proper procedures. He noted that congresses have not been held in certain states and that these should take place before the national convention.

The conflicting court rulings have created uncertainty around the PDP’s national convention. The party is expected to clarify its position and determine the next steps in line with the relevant judgments. As the situation develops, observers are watching closely to see how a potential Court of Appeal intervention will affect the convention’s outcome, given its significance in Nigeria’s political landscape.