Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, halted the planned 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pending the party’s compliance with its statutory requirements, the Constitution, and provisions of the Electoral Act.
Delivering judgment in a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the PDP, Justice Omotosho also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or recognizing the outcome of any PDP national convention conducted without adherence to due process, as stipulated by law and the party’s internal guidelines.
Reacting to the court’s verdict, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, described the ruling as both a moment of joy and sadness, reflecting the deep divisions within the party.
“This is one of the happiest yet saddest days of my life,” Wike said while addressing concerned PDP stakeholders from 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
“We are happy because we have fought against impunity, but at the same time, it is unfortunate that our party has sunk this low.
“The so-called national convention cannot hold; it has never been this bad in the history of the PDP.”
Among those present at the meeting were former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), several serving and former federal lawmakers, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and various PDP state chairmen.
Wike emphasized the importance of leadership rooted in humility and inclusiveness, warning that arrogance and disregard for the sacrifices of key stakeholders were destabilizing the party.
“An opposition party should close ranks and follow due process. If we refuse to do that, we are only sending the wrong signal to Nigerians,” he cautioned.
He reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the party’s integrity, noting that the legal challenge was a collective decision aimed at restoring order within the PDP.
“The last time we met, we resolved to challenge any action that contravenes our party’s constitution, and by the grace of God, the court has allowed justice to prevail.
“Nobody will intimidate us; we will always do what is right. I expect PDP governors to use state resources to improve the lives of citizens, not to destroy the party,”mhe said.
The ruling is expected to further heighten tensions within the PDP, which has been plagued by internal leadership struggles and divisions since after the 2023 general elections.
