Court Bars INEC From Recognizing Outcome Of PDP National Convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acknowledging or acting on the outcome of the upcoming 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday 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 provided by 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, Justice 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.