Confusion Rocks PDP as Two Abuja Courts Issue Conflicting Rulings on Planned Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was thrown into confusion on Friday after two separate judgments from Federal High Courts in Abuja delivered conflicting orders regarding its forthcoming national convention.

In one ruling, Justice James Omotosho restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the planned convention. The judge held that the PDP failed to comply with statutory requirements for conducting congresses and conventions, citing irregularities and breaches of the Electoral Act.

According to the judgment, evidence showed that congresses were not held in some states, and notices signed solely by the party’s National Chairman, without the National Secretary, were invalid. Justice Omotosho further ruled that the PDP did not issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC, thereby undermining the Commission’s ability to monitor the process.

He concluded that these lapses rendered the proposed convention legally defective and directed INEC not to receive, publish, or recognise any outcome from the event scheduled to take place in Ibadan.

The case, filed by three party officials, Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South PDP Secretary)—was brought through their counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN). The plaintiffs argued that the PDP’s preparations violated the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the party’s constitution.

However, in a separate ruling, Justice Lifu of another Federal High Court refused to grant an interim order sought by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who had applied to halt the same convention.

Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had asked the court to restrain both the PDP and INEC from conducting or monitoring the convention. But Justice Lifu ordered the respondents to appear within 72 hours to show cause why Lamido’s request should be granted, and adjourned the case until November 6 for hearing.

While the Omotosho-led court effectively suspended recognition of the convention’s outcome, the Lifu court stopped short of halting the event entirely, creating uncertainty within the party’s ranks.

The PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, represented by Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to decline jurisdiction, arguing that issues relating to conventions and congresses are internal party affairs. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), representing the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), also maintained that the matter was beyond judicial interference.

With the two conflicting court decisions, confusion now clouds the fate of the PDP’s planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.