Court stops INEC from recognising outcome of PDP National Convention

Court stops INEC from recognising outcome of PDP National Convention

By Ade Ade

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the party failed to comply with statutory requirements guiding the conduct of conventions and congresses.

According to the court, evidence tendered by INEC and some respondents indicated that congresses were not conducted in several states, contrary to provisions of the law. The judge also declared that notices and official correspondences signed solely by the PDP National Chairman, without the counter-signature of the National Secretary, were invalid.

Justice Omotosho further faulted the party for failing to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC ahead of the meetings and congresses, which would have enabled the commission to monitor the process as required by law.

He held that the lack of compliance had jeopardised the planned convention and advised the PDP to address the infractions before proceeding with any internal election.

Consequently, the judge restrained INEC from monitoring, receiving, publishing, or recognising any outcome from the scheduled convention until all legal provisions are met.