A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the planned 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment delivered on Friday, held that the PDP failed to comply with key legal and procedural requirements guiding the conduct of party conventions.
The court noted that the party did not conduct congresses in some states of the federation, contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
Justice Omotosho also faulted the signing of party correspondences and notices solely by the PDP National Chairman without the National Secretary, describing such actions as invalid and contrary to the law.
He further observed that the party did not give the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before convening meetings and congresses, a requirement meant to enable the commission to monitor the processes.
According to the judge, the party’s failure to follow due process has put its proposed convention in jeopardy.
He advised the PDP to correct the identified irregularities before proceeding with the convention.
Consequently, the court restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan until the party complies fully with the law.