The Federal High Court in Abuja has indeed ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to halt its national convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court’s decision came after a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members, who argued that the party failed to comply with its constitution, the 1999 Constitution, and the Electoral Act in the build-up to the convention .
Key Reasons for the Court’s Decision:
– Failure to Conduct Valid State Congresses: The PDP didn’t conduct valid state congresses in some states before moving to hold the national convention.
– Insufficient Notice: The party failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its monitoring duties.
– Non-Compliance with Electoral Regulations: The court held that the PDP’s planned convention lacked legitimacy due to breaches of the 1999 Constitution, INEC regulations, and internal guidelines.
The court has ordered the PDP to regularize its processes and conduct valid state congresses before proceeding with the convention. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also been restrained from recognizing the outcome of the PDP’s convention until the party complies with the law.
