Court Restrains INEC from Recognizing PDP’s 2025 National Convention Outcome

The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while delivering judgment in a suit challenging the legality of the planned convention.

The court based its decision on the failure of the PDP to comply with relevant legal requirements governing the conduct of such conventions.

According to Justice Omotosho, evidence presented by INEC and some respondents showed that congresses were not conducted in certain states, which amounted to a breach of the law.

The judge further held that notices and correspondences signed solely by the PDP National Chairman without the National Secretary were invalid, as such actions violated the party’s constitutional and legal provisions.

Additionally, the court found that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC for meetings and congresses, thereby denying the commission the opportunity to monitor them as required by law.

Justice Omotosho concluded that the party’s non-compliance had jeopardized the planned convention and advised the PDP to address all legal deficiencies before proceeding.

Consequently, the court restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan until full compliance with the law is achieved.