A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, recognising, or giving legal effect to the upcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The order comes amidst an internal leadership dispute within the party and a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of certain party processes.
The plaintiffs — Messrs Austine Nwachukwu (PDP Imo State Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (PDP Abia State Chairman) and Turnah George (PDP South-South Zonal Secretary) — are seeking declarations and injunctive reliefs to halt the PDP’s convention, asserting the party’s national leadership failed to conduct requisite congresses or provide valid notices in line with its constitution and guidelines set by INEC.
In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho stated that any action by INEC or PDP leadership that undermines or renders nugatory the substantive suit would be null and void. The court directed all parties to maintain the status quo and fixed October 20 for a substantive hearing of the motion.
