Iyunade Grace
The Appeal Court has affirmed a judgment barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by three aggrieved PDP members, who argued that the party failed to comply with its constitution and laws when organizing the convention.
The court ruled that the PDP’s failure to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC and the signing of notices by the National Chairman without the National Secretary’s co-signature were invalid and breached the law. As a result, INEC is restrained from recognizing the outcome of the PDP convention.
This judgment has implications for the PDP’s governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, whose name has been ordered by the Federal High Court to be included on the ballot. The PDP’s internal crisis is ongoing, with factions aligned with Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed expressing confidence that the judgment would favor them.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions under its constitution and laws stipulating the necessary steps to be taken before conducting such a convention. He also noted that evidence supplied to the court by INEC and some respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states, breaching the law.
The PDP has vowed to appeal the decision, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process. Party leaders see the development as an opportunity to heal old wounds and rebuild unity before the 2027 elections.
The Appeal Court’s judgment is expected to provide clarity for party members and electoral stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election cycle. The outcome could significantly shape the party’s internal processes and influence the credibility of candidates presented to the electorate.
The PDP’s internal crisis has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some calling for the party to put its house in order. The party’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts will be crucial in determining its performance in the 2027 elections.
