PDP Suspends Ibadan Convention After Court Ruling

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, on Wednesday announced the suspension and cancellation of the party’s proposed national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing a recent court judgment.

Mohammed, who made the disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja alongside the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), said the decision was taken in line with the party’s commitment to the rule of law and due process.

According to the acting chairman, the party had received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

“We warmly welcome you to this important press briefing and sincerely appreciate your steadfast support for our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Mohammed began.

“The National Leadership of the PDP, under my humble leadership as Acting National Chairman, in collaboration with our National Secretary, Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu, hereby formally informs the Nigerian public that we have received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja.”

Mohammed stated that after receiving legal advice from the party’s National Legal Adviser, Ajibade K.A. (SAN), the PDP decided to file an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek judicial interpretation and ensure fairness to all stakeholders.

“We have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, our members, and Nigerian democracy,” he explained.

He added that the party’s next steps would be guided strictly by the court’s directive and the Nigerian Constitution.

Mohammed stressed that holding the Ibadan convention despite the pending appeal would amount to a violation of the rule of law.

“Consequently, having lodged an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal,” he said.

“Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.”

PDP Notifies INEC, Cites Rule of Law

The acting chairman revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been formally notified of the development, noting that the commission was already a party to the suit.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission was a party to the suit and is fully aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court. Nevertheless, we have deemed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission,” he stated.

“Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgment.”

PDP Reacts to Oyo Ex-Parte Order

Mohammed also addressed reports of an ex-parte order issued by a High Court in Oyo State, clarifying that such an order could not supersede the judgment of the Federal High Court.

“We are also aware of an ex-parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State. While we await the Certified True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex-parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court,” he declared.

He concluded by reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to due process, assuring members and the public that the leadership would continue to act within the confines of the law.

“We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Mohammed said.

A senior PDP official who spoke with The PUNCH on condition of anonymity described the suspension as a “preventive step” to avoid further legal complications.

He urged party members to remain patient while the appeal process takes its course, adding that “the unity and stability of the PDP are more important than any single event.”