The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday as the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any outcomes of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025.
Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that the PDP had violated critical provisions of both the Electoral Act and its own constitution in the run-up to the convention.
According to the court, the party committed multiple procedural irregularities, including:
Failure to hold mandatory congresses in several states, a requirement under its constitution.
Issuance of official notices and correspondence signed solely by the National Chairman without the National Secretary’s signature, a practice deemed unconstitutional by the judge.
Neglecting to provide INEC with the legally mandated 21-day notice before convening meetings and congresses, thereby denying the commission its statutory right to supervise party activities.
As a result, Justice Omotosho restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising any convention outcomes until the PDP fully complied with the law.
The legal action was initiated by three PDP members: Austin Nwachukwu of Imo State, Amah Abraham Nnanna of Abia State, and Turnah Alabh George, South-South Secretary.
In their petition, they argued that the party leadership was planning the convention in breach of established procedures, effectively disenfranchising ordinary party members and undermining internal democracy.
Despite the court ruling, the PDP leadership insisted the convention would go ahead as planned.
The party described the judgment as a threat to internal democracy and disclosed that its legal team is preparing to appeal the interim order.
Legal analysts warned that the court’s restraining order casts doubt over the legitimacy of any officers that may emerge from the convention.
Failure to address the court’s concerns promptly could plunge the party into a leadership vacuum, further compounding its internal crisis ahead of critical electoral contests.
