PDP Defies Court Ruling, Insists National Convention Will Hold As Planned | READ FULL

.... Party vows to appeal 'controversial judgment', says democracy under attack

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to proceed with its planned National Convention despite a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which the party described as "a direct assault on Nigeria's democratic process.ÔÇØ

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party said that the court's ruling delivered by Justice Kolawole Omotosho does not invalidate or obstruct its constitutional right to organize its internal congresses and convention to elect new National Officers.

The PDP maintained that the ruling "cannot vitiate the ongoing processÔÇØ to reposition the party and elect leaders who will steer its affairs for the next four years, stressing that its internal processes remain guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the PDP's own constitution.

According to the PDP, the Supreme Court's recent pronouncement affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs reinforces its right to continue with the scheduled convention.

The party said it is not only acting within the law but also within the spirit of democratic practice that empowers registered political parties to conduct their affairs without undue interference.

"Our members, organs, and state chapters should remain steadfast and focused on preparations for the National Convention,ÔÇØ the statement read.

"The judgment of the court does not affect or hinder our capacity to proceed with the ongoing processes.ÔÇØ

While rejecting the Federal High Court's decision, the PDP described it as "a dangerous precedentÔÇØ that undermines multiparty democracy and the independence of political institutions in Nigeria.

The statement further disclosed that the party has directed its legal team to immediately file an appeal against the judgment as part of its commitment to defend the rule of law and constitutional democracy.

"As the leading opposition party, we remain committed to upholding, defending, and promoting multiparty democracy in Nigeria,ÔÇØ Ologunagba added.

Political analysts say the PDP's position signals renewed determination to assert its independence and rebuild its internal structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.