- Party vows to appeal, describes judgment as assault on democracy
- Internal crises, forgery allegations exposed in leadup to convention
The Peoples Democratic Party was thrown into crisis on Friday as a Federal High Court in Abuja halted its planned national convention, prompting an emergency meeting of the party’s National Working Committee and exposing deep-rooted internal divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The PDP has summoned an emergency meeting of its National Working Committee following Friday’s judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained the party from proceeding with its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State .
A member of the NWC, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, confirmed the emergency session would hold on Saturday at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja .
“That’s the judgment. However, I know that the NWC has summoned an emergency meeting tomorrow. The leaders will review what transpired throughout the process and determine the next line of action,” the official said . “The party is set for a very serious deliberation, which will shape its next steps and provide members and Nigerians a clearer sense of direction in the coming days” .
Legal Basis for the Judgment
In his ruling on suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to conduct valid state congresses in several states and breached the law by failing to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission before convening the convention .
The judge declared that these “fundamental” irregularities rendered the entire convention process invalid . He specifically noted that convention notices must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary, ruling that documents signed by the chairman alone were unlawful .
“The failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy. The party must do the needful before going ahead with the election,” Justice Omotosho declared . He consequently restrained INEC from “monitoring, recognising, or publishing the outcome of any PDP convention that did not meet the legal requirements” .
The case was filed by three aggrieved PDP members: Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (South-South Zonal Secretary) . They alleged that no valid congresses were conducted in at least 14 states before the NWC and NEC issued notice for the convention .
PDP’s Reaction and Planned Appeal
PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum strongly condemned the ruling, vowing immediate appeal . “This is not what we expected. We will appeal it. You cannot stop a whole political party from exercising its legal rights. This judgment today is a panacea to annihilating democracy in this country,” Damagum told journalists .
In a formal statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described the judgment as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process” but insisted it would not derail the party’s plans . “The judgment does not vitiate our ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards electing new national officers. Our lawyers have been directed to appeal immediately,” Ologunagba stated .
The party directed its members to continue with convention preparations despite the court order, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs .
Deep-Rooted Internal Crises
The court ruling exposes severe internal divisions that have plagued the PDP for months. The party’s internal crises include:
· Leadership Tussles: Deep divisions persist between allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and supporters of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum .
· Control of Structures: Disagreements center on control of party structures in the South-South, particularly in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau states .
· Zoning Disputes: Conflicts over the zoning of national offices and micro-zoning formula for the planned convention have remained unresolved .
· Forgery Allegations: The crisis deepened when National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu petitioned the DSS, police, and INEC over alleged forgery of his signature on convention documents .
Mixed Reactions and Additional Legal Challenge
The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the judgment was delivered, with plaintiffs’ supporters breaking into celebration while PDP members filed out grim-faced .
In a separate development, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido filed another suit seeking to stop the convention, though Justice Peter Lifu declined to grant an ex-parte motion, instead adjourning the case to November 6 for hearing .
Prominent PDP chieftain Chief Bode George strongly criticized the ruling, describing it as “the joke of the century, open recipe for anarchy and a display of judicial brigandage” . “This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George stated .
Opportunity for Introspection
Some party officials framed the development as a chance for internal reconciliation. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor said: “It may not be the best of judgments, but it’s an opportunity to put our house in order. We’re depleted enough already and should stop entertaining divisions. We need to reflect and come out stronger” .
Another NEC member described the court’s decision as a “wake-up call” for reform, stating: “This is not the end of the PDP; it is the beginning of a reformed PDP. We must regroup, reconcile, and prepare for the challenges ahead” .
Contextual Analysis: A Party at Crossroads
This legal setback represents another critical challenge for the PDP, which has been struggling to regain its footing since losing power at the national level. The convention postponement threatens to further delay the party’s efforts to reorganize and present a united front ahead of future elections.
The judgment also highlights the ongoing tension between judicial oversight and political party autonomy in Nigeria’s democracy. While the court emphasized that compliance with electoral laws transcends internal party affairs, PDP leaders argue this constitutes excessive judicial interference in their operations.
As the NWC meets on Saturday, their decisions will significantly impact not only the party’s internal cohesion but also Nigeria’s broader political landscape as the nation moves closer to the next electoral cycle.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
