Court Halts PDP Convention as Party Summons Emergency Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned an emergency meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) following Friday’s ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja halting its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The meeting, slated for Saturday at the party’s Wadata Plaza national secretariat in Abuja, is expected to determine the party’s immediate response to the judgment.

A senior NWC member confirmed the development, stating that leaders are preparing for “a very serious deliberation” to review legal and internal issues surrounding the stalled convention. The urgent session marks a critical moment for the main opposition party as it navigates yet another legal and political hurdle ahead of its leadership transition process.

Court Blocks Convention, Cites Constitutional Breaches

The suspension of the PDP convention followed a judgment by Justice James Omotosho, who ruled that the party failed to comply with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its own constitution. The court held that the PDP did not conduct valid congresses in several states and failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Omotosho insisted that convention notices must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary, declaring the chairman-only notice invalid. He consequently restrained INEC from monitoring or recognising any PDP convention that fails to meet the legal requirements.

The suit was filed by party leaders from Imo, Abia, and the South-South region, who alleged that 14 states lacked valid congresses. The plaintiffs celebrated in court after the decision, while the PDP delegation left quietly, signalling the gravity of the setback.

PDP Leadership Vows Appeal, Denounces Ruling

Reacting to the ruling, PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, described the judgment as a threat to democracy, stressing that the party will file an immediate appeal. He argued that a court could not bar a political party from exercising its rights to choose leaders.

Similarly, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba assured members that preparations for electing new national officers would continue within legal limits. He urged party organs across the country to remain focused, insisting that the PDP remains committed to democratic principles.

The case adds to the internal tensions already gripping the party, particularly between factions aligned with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and supporters of the current leadership.

Fresh Suit Emerges as Party Leaders Call for Calm

In a parallel development, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido filed a separate suit seeking to halt the convention, claiming the current leadership violated the PDP constitution and denied him the right to contest for National Chairman. However, Justice Peter Lifu refused to grant his ex parte prayer, ordering parties to appear and show cause on November 6.

Meanwhile, party leaders have appealed for calm. NEC members Timothy Osadolor and other senior officials described the moment as a chance for introspection and unity, urging members to avoid further division. They said the party will engage stakeholders nationwide as it considers legal options and internal reforms.

Despite efforts at reconciliation, deep-seated conflicts over zoning, power blocs, and post-2023 election leadership battles continue to shape the party’s future — making the coming days pivotal for the PDP’s stability and relevance ahead of future elections.