COURT SETS OCTOBER 31 JUDGMENT DATE FOR SUIT SEEKING TO HALT PDP NATIONAL CONVENTION

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31 for judgment in the case aiming to stop the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned National Convention set for November 15-16 in Ibadan. The suit, brought by aggrieved PDP members including the Imo and Abia state chairmen and the PDP South-South Secretary, challenges the validity of the convention over alleged failure to conduct required congresses in 14 states.

Justice James Omotosho reaffirmed his order maintaining the status quo and warned that any breach could be nullified. Plaintiffs’ counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the case enforces adherence to Nigeria’s Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP Constitution, emphasizing INEC’s role in monitoring party congresses. Meanwhile, PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum and the party’s National Working and Executive Committees contend that convention matters are internal party issues, outside court jurisdiction.