INEC to Shun PDP National Convention Cites Existing Court Ruling

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The planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan has encountered another complication after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly decided it will not supervise the event.

The convention, scheduled to take place in Oyo State over the weekend, has been surrounded by legal disagreements that continue to raise uncertainty about how the event will proceed. According to sources familiar with the situation, the electoral commission’s decision is tied directly to an existing court order that affects the gathering.

According to Gossip News Now, a senior official involved in monitoring political party conventions disclosed that the commission has resolved to stay away from the PDP convention due to the legal directive currently in place.

The official indicated that INEC’s stance is based on the need to respect judicial authority and avoid acting in contradiction to a court ruling that directly addresses the matter.

Another source within the commission also stressed that INEC’s operational decisions must remain guided by legal provisions and court instructions. The official explained that the commission intends to align its actions with the ruling issued by a court in the Federal Capital Territory.

Planned Statement Withdrawn

Reports further revealed that INEC had initially prepared a public statement explaining its position regarding the convention. However, the release was reportedly withheld after further internal consultations within the commission.

The development suggests that the electoral body is exercising caution as the legal dispute continues to unfold.

Court Order Sparks the Dispute

The controversy surrounding the convention intensified after a ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court ordered the PDP to suspend its convention following a lawsuit filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido.

Lamido had approached the court after alleging that he was prevented from obtaining the nomination form required to contest for the party’s national chairmanship despite fulfilling the necessary payment requirements.

After reviewing the case, the judge ruled that denying Lamido the opportunity to purchase the form violated both the PDP constitution and its internal rules governing party activities.

Key Directives from the Federal Court

The court issued several consequential instructions connected to the case. These directives included the following conditions:

The PDP must suspend its planned national convention.
INEC should not supervise or recognize any convention held under the disputed circumstances.
The party must provide Lamido access to the nomination form required to contest for the national chairmanship.

In explaining the order, the court emphasized that political parties must provide equal opportunities for their members to participate in internal democratic processes.

At one stage of the proceedings, the judge made it clear that the party must ensure Lamido is allowed to obtain the necessary form and campaign before any convention is conducted.

Conflicting Court Decision Adds Complexity

The legal situation has become more complicated because another court has delivered a separate ruling on the matter. Earlier in November, the Oyo State High Court permitted the PDP to proceed with its convention.

Justice Ladiran Akintola issued the decision while considering an application filed by a PDP member, Folahan Adelabi. In that ruling, the court authorized the party to continue with its convention preparations and directed INEC to supervise the election of new national officers.

The existence of these conflicting rulings has created uncertainty about which directive should ultimately guide the party’s actions.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The PDP’s current situation highlights the complicated relationship between internal party politics and the legal system in Nigeria. When disputes over leadership and participation arise, court interventions often become the deciding factor.

INEC’s decision to avoid supervising the convention demonstrates the commission’s attempt to remain neutral while respecting judicial directives. However, the conflicting rulings from different courts may prolong uncertainty within the party.

Political observers note that how the PDP resolves the crisis could influence its ability to maintain unity ahead of future elections. Internal disputes combined with legal battles may also shape the party’s public image and its readiness to present itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.