News
BREAKING: Court Stops PDP National Convention Amid Deepening Internal Crisis
Justice James Omotosho issued the interim order on Friday while ruling on a suit filed by three party officials—Austine Nwachukwu, chairman of the Imo State chapter; Amah Abraham Nnanna, chairman of the Abia State chapter; and Turnah George, the South-South zonal secretary of the party.
Abuja, Nigeria– The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Justice James Omotosho issued the interim order on Friday while ruling on a suit filed by three party officials—Austine Nwachukwu, chairman of the Imo State chapter; Amah Abraham Nnanna, chairman of the Abia State chapter; and Turnah George, the South-South zonal secretary of the party.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) were all listed as defendants in the case.
The plaintiffs, reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, a vocal critic of the planned convention, argued that the party failed to comply with its constitution, the 1999 Constitution, and the Electoral Act in its preparations.
They claimed no valid congresses were conducted in 14 states and urged the court to stop the event until the alleged breaches are resolved.
Their counsel told the court that the issue at stake was a clear matter of law, not an internal party affair as claimed by the defence.
However, the PDP maintained that the case concerns its internal matters and accused the plaintiffs of attempting to derail its leadership transition process.
The convention controversy has further exposed divisions within the party, already grappling with internal and legal disputes.
National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, also aligned with Wike, recently petitioned security agencies, alleging that his signature was forged on documents notifying INEC about the convention.
The party’s National Working Committee and Board of Trustees have dismissed his claim as unfounded.
Meanwhile, the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) has indefinitely postponed the screening of aspirants earlier scheduled for October 28, with sources suggesting the move was to await the outcome of the court case before proceeding with preparations.
