Court Restraints INEC From Recognizing Outcome of PDP Planned 2025 National Convention

By Ayodele Oni

The November National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo state may be an exercise in futility as a Court issued an order against it.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the National Convention.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit challenging the legality of the convention.

The Judge predicated the decision on the grounds that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such Conventions.

The Judge held that evidence from the electoral umpire and some of the respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states of the Federation in breach of the law.

In addition, the Court held that the signing of notices and correspondence of the PDP by its National Chairman without the National Secretary, violated the law and consequently made such notices and correspondences a nullity.

Besides, Omotosho held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21 days notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.

Justice Omotosho held that the failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy, and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.

He, therefore, restrained INEC from receiving, publishing or recognizing the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan, until the law has been complied with.