PDP Condemns Court Order Halting Convention, Calls It an Assault on Democracy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the Federal High Court ruling stopping its planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, describing the judgment as a blow to democracy and a deliberate attempt to stifle internal party processes.

In a statement released on Friday night by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said the ruling would not derail its preparations or affect its commitment to elect new national officers.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Kolawole Omotosho, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” Ologunagba said.

He stressed that the judgment does not invalidate the party’s preparations for its national convention, noting that the Supreme Court had earlier affirmed that political parties have the right to manage their internal affairs.

“Our party directs all members, chapters, and organs to remain steadfast and continue with preparations for the national convention. However, as a law-abiding party, we have instructed our lawyers to immediately appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to defend and promote multi-party democracy,” the statement added.

‘Saboteurs Behind the Ruling’ — Damagum

Reacting on national television, PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, dismissed the ruling as the work of “saboteurs” seeking to destabilize the opposition ahead of future elections.

‘Judicial Brigandage’ — Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, described the ruling by Justice James Omotosho as “the joke of the century” and “a display of judicial brigandage.”

“This judgement will consume this country. It is high time the judge put down his wig and gown to join politics,” George said.
“What power does he have to order the PDP not to hold its National Convention? INEC was present at all our congresses and never complained. The judge didn’t even invite INEC officials to verify facts — so why is he complaining? Does he have a political interest?”

George urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene, warning that such rulings could erode public confidence in the judiciary.

Why the Court Halted the Convention

Delivering judgment in the suit filed by Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South), Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to meet constitutional and procedural requirements necessary to hold a valid convention.

The plaintiffs alleged that valid state congresses were not conducted in 14 states before the convention was fixed. The court ruled that without duly elected delegates, the convention could not proceed.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the notice of convention for being signed only by the National Chairman and not jointly with the National Secretary, declaring the notice invalid under the law.

“Failure to comply with laid down procedures places the scheduled convention in jeopardy,” the judge ruled, ordering the PDP to put its “house in order” and issue a proper 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before rescheduling.

The court also restrained INEC from recognizing or publishing the results of any convention held in defiance of its order.

In a separate ruling, Justice Peter Lifu of the same court rejected an ex-parte motion filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who had sought an interim injunction to stop the convention after being denied a nomination form for National Chairman. The case was adjourned to November 6 for hearing.

Mixed Reactions Within the PDP

The ruling has triggered varied responses among party members — from anger and disbelief to cautious reflection.

Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, described the ruling as a “painful but necessary delay.”

“I believe this pause gives us time to heal and resolve outstanding issues, especially in the South-East. Delay is not denial,” he said.

Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, one of the plaintiffs, hailed the verdict as justice served.

“The court has done the right thing. The party must do the right thing too — follow its own constitution,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, agreed, saying the judgment was “self-inflicted.”

“You can’t flout your own rules and expect to move on. PDP must return to the drawing board and obey its constitution,” he stated.

However, a Kano PDP chieftain, who spoke anonymously, said there was not enough time to appeal before the scheduled dates.

“There’s no time for appeal before the convention. The party must obey the order. But make no mistake — this is the handiwork of internal saboteurs working with external forces,” he claimed.

The Road Ahead

The sudden court order has once again exposed deep rifts within the PDP, Nigeria’s oldest political party. Yet, some members believe this moment could serve as a turning point — a forced pause to reconcile and rebuild before 2027.

Despite the setback, the PDP leadership insists it remains united and resolute in defending internal democracy, as the party prepares to challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeal.

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PDP Condemns Court Order Stopping Convention, Vows Appeal

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the court order halting its November convention as an “assault on democracy.” The party vows to appeal the judgment while urging members to continue preparations for the event.