The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims that the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped it from holding its 2025 National Convention, urging members and state chapters to continue preparations for the exercise.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had, on Friday, ruled that the PDP must comply with statutory requirements, its Constitution, and the Electoral Act before proceeding with the planned convention. The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or accepting the outcome of any PDP national convention conducted without adherence to due process and INEC regulations.
However, in a swift reaction, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, rejected the ruling, insisting that the judgment does not affect the party’s ability to continue with preparations for the convention. He described the decision as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process” and confirmed that the party had directed its legal team to appeal the judgment immediately.
“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.”
Ologunagba cited a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs, saying the PDP remains guided by that principle.
“The PDP therefore charges its members, chapters, and organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party,” he said.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law, multi-party democracy, and constitutional order. “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,” the statement concluded.
What You Should Know
The Federal High Court ruling temporarily halted the PDP’s 2025 National Convention pending compliance with legal requirements.
However, the party insists the judgment does not stop its internal processes and has vowed to appeal.
PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the verdict as an attack on democracy and reaffirmed the party’s resolve to proceed with preparations to elect new national officers.
