…As Wike Welcomes Court Verdict, Says Impunity Has No Place In PDP
…Bode George slams court judgment stopping PDP convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the Federal High Court did not stop it from holding the party’s planned national convention, directing members, chapters, and various organs to focus on their preparations.
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the planned 2025 National Convention of the PDP until the party complies with the statutory requirements of the party, the Constitution and the Electoral Act are met.
Delivering judgement in a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party, the judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting report on the outcome of any national convention of the party without following the due process of the law as well as its guidelines and regulations.
But in a swift reaction, the opposition party rejected the court’s judgement.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the action of the court does not invalidate the party’s ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new national officers.
He described the judgement as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic processes, saying the party has directed its legal team to appeal the judgement.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” the statement read.
“However, the PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.
“Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.
“The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party
“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the court judgement stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention as bringing down impunity.
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the planned 2025 National Convention of the PDP until the party complies with the statutory requirements of the party, the Constitution and the Electoral Act are met.
Delivering judgement in a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party, the judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting report on the outcome of any national convention of the party without following the due process of the law as well as its guidelines and regulations.
Shortly after the verdict, Wike said he is filled with different reactions. He said while the ruling stands as one of the happiest days of his life it is also the saddest because of how unsettled the party is.
“We are happy that we have fought impunity while on another part we are not happy with what is going on in the party,” Wike said, while addressing some PDP concerned stakeholders from 12 states of the federation including the FCT.
“It’s unfortunate that the so-called purported national convention cannot hold, it has never been bad like this in the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Some of the dignitaries in attendance include former governors of Benue and Abia states, Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, present and former federal lawmakers, Rivers State lawmakers led by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, some PDP party state chairmen among others.
Speaking further, Wike stated that leadership is very important and when certain people become arrogant and not recognize sacrifices some of party stakeholders it is only a matter of time for reactions to spring up.
“Opposition party is supposed to put heads together and follow due process but if you are not doing that then you are sending a wrong message,” he stated.
The FCT Minister urged them not to relent in their effort in standing by the truth
“The last time we met we said we are going to challenge any action that contravenes provision of the party, and today by the grace of God, the court has allowed justice to prevail.
“Nobody will be intimidated we will do what is right. what I expect the governors to do now is to use monies in the state to impact lives of citizens and not to use it to kill our party,” he added.
However, a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has strongly criticised the court ruling halting the party’s forthcoming national convention.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday restrained the PDP from holding its national convention scheduled for Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 in Ibadan.
Reacting, George described the judgment as shocking and dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic stability, warning that it could set a troubling precedent.
He argued that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference, except in clear cases of constitutional breach.
“This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George said in a statement.
The PDP chieftain called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an unjustifiable intervention capable of triggering disorder.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he added.
George questioned the basis of the ruling, insisting that INEC monitored all PDP congresses nationwide and did not raise objections or report irregularities.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have a political interest?” he queried.
He noted that the PDP, which has existed since 1998, has a long tradition of following due process in its internal operations, including congresses and conventions.
According to him, the decision undermines party autonomy and risks weaponising the judiciary against political stability in Africa’s largest democracy.
George stressed that resolving internal disputes through established party mechanisms remains fundamental to democratic development.
He urged PDP members to remain calm and committed to lawful processes while pursuing legal remedies to overturn the ruling.
The party is expected to explore further legal options in the coming days as it seeks to safeguard its internal procedures and rebuild momentum ahead of future elections.