The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acknowledging or acting on the outcome of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while delivering judgment in a suit challenging the legality of the planned convention.
The judge ruled that the PDP failed to comply with several statutory requirements guiding the conduct of party congresses and conventions, rendering the planned exercise unlawful.
According to Justice Omotosho, evidence presented before the court—including submissions by INEC and some respondents—showed that congresses were not conducted in certain states, in clear violation of electoral laws and the party’s constitution.
He further held that the signing of notices and correspondences by the PDP National Chairman without the National Secretary contravened legal provisions and rendered such documents invalid.
Additionally, the court found that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to INEC, a requirement meant to enable the electoral body to monitor the party’s internal processes.
Justice Omotosho said the party’s failure to meet these conditions placed the planned convention in jeopardy and advised the PDP to correct the irregularities before proceeding.
Consequently, the court restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the PDP convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan until the party complies fully with relevant laws and procedures.