By Abiola Olawale
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strongly-worded directive to its members, urging them to continue with all preparations for its upcoming National Convention, just hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja delivered a judgment halting the event.
The New Diplomat reports that the controversy stemmed from a suit filed by aggrieved party members, which led Justice James Omotosho to issue an order on Friday restraining the PDP from proceeding with its planned National Convention, initially slated for November 15 and 16.
The court ruled that the convention cannot proceed until the party “fully complies with the provisions of its constitution and the Electoral Act,” citing a failure to follow due process in the lead-up to the event where new national officers were to be elected.
The order also restrains the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing any outcome of a non-compliant convention.
But in a swift reaction, the opposition party rejected the court’s judgment.
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 judgment as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic processes, saying the party has directed its legal team to appeal the judgment.
The statement reads in part: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.
“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 judgment 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, Chapters, 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.”
