A Federal High Court has issued a stern warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reaffirming an earlier restraining order that bars any further steps towards the planned National Convention until a final judgment is delivered.
The legal battle centers on allegations raised by three aggrieved PDP members, who claim that no valid congresses were held in 14 states prior to the issuance of notices for the Convention scheduled for November 16 and 17.
Mr. Joseph Dauda, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, argued on behalf of the plaintiffs that the 1999 Constitution mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor all congresses, failing which such exercises are invalid.
However, in a counter argument, Paul Erokoro (SAN), representing the PDP National Chairman, urged the court to decline jurisdiction, asserting that convention matters are internal party affairs.
His position was echoed by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), counsel to the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), who insisted the court has no authority to intervene.
Despite these arguments, the presiding judge upheld the injunction and warned that any actions taken by the party during the pendency of the case could be declared null and void.
The court has fixed October 30 for final judgment on the legality of the PDP’s planned convention.
