WorldStage– The Oyo State High Court has granted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) permission to hold its National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Additionally, the court, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to supervise and monitor the entire convention process to ensure compliance with legal and party guidelines.
This ruling resolves earlier disputes over the venue and oversight of the convention, paving the way for the PDP to proceed with electing its national officers in Ibadan under INEC’s watch.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had previously nullified the holding of the forthcoming national convention, which was scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan.
Justice James Omotosho, in his judgment delivered on October 31, 2025, ruled that the PDP failed to comply with the relevant conditions and laws for conducting such a convention.
The court’s decision was based on several grounds, including failure to hold proper congresses, and insufficient notice, improper authorization.
According to Omotoso, evidence showed that congresses to elect delegates were not held in some states of the federation, a breach of the law.
The judge also cited that PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enable the commission to monitor the events.
He had also ruled that signing of notices and correspondence by the national chairman without the national secretary was deemed a violation of the law.
The court therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the convention until the law has been complied with.
In response, the PDP leadership rejected the ruling, describing it as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process,” and vowed to appeal the judgment.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary stated that preparations for the convention would continue despite the court order.
The PDP also suspended several national officers for one month following the ruling.
