Appeal Court upholds judgement barring INEC from recognizing PDP convention
A three-member panel of the appellate court in a unanimous judgement in Abuja has dismissed an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the October 31 2025 judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the national convention held on November 15 and 16 by the PDP in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The four issues for determination were resolved against the PDP, as the court held that the appeal by the party was without merit, stating that the Federal High Court was right to have delivered the October 31 judgement.
The appellate court faulted PDP’s claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case on the grounds that the issues revolved around internal affairs of the party, stating that the plaintiffs had the locus standi to institute the suit to protect their democratic rights.
Adding that the PDP was not denied fair hearing as it claimed in its appeal, the court further awarded the sum of N2 million as costs against the Turaki-led faction of the PDP for filing a frivolous appeal.
Recall that the Federal High Court Abuja had on October 31 stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 2025, pending its compliance with the requirements of the party’s constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act.
The suit which sought to halt the PDP 2025 National Convention on the grounds of alleged violations of the party’s rules was filed by three aggrieved members of the party; Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South).
Delivering judgement, Justice Omotosho held that the evidence before the court established that the party failed to comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the PDP’s constitution and INEC guidelines.
The court stated that the PDP did not conduct valid state congresses before proceeding with preparations for the national convention where its leaders were expected to be elected.
The judge directed the PDP “to go back and put its house in order, and to give the statutory 21-day notice to INEC before it can proceed with the proposed convention”, while restraining INEC from accepting or recognising the outcome of any PDP national convention that is not conducted in accordance with due process, the law, and INEC’s own regulations.
The court stated that INEC cannot give recognition to the outcome of any convention organized by political parties that fail to comply with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the respective party’s guidelines.
Preliminary objections filed by the defendants challenging the court’s jurisdiction on the grounds that the matter centered around internal party affairs, were also dismissed by the court.
