- Wike, loyalists plot next move
- Party kicks, says judgment assault on democracy
- PDP violated own constitution, INEC rules – Court
- ‘National Secretary has to inform INEC of convention’
- Court rejects Lamido’s bid to stop convention
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his supporters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched into a strategic meeting yesterday in Abuja moments after securing victory at the Federal High Court against the mainstream of the party.
Justice James Omotosho had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the outcome of the November 15/16 National Convention of the party until the needful is done.
Wike called the judgement a well-deserved victory in a determined fight against impunity and arrogance.
But the PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba vowed that nothing will stop plans for the national convention.
He said the PDP would challenge yesterday’s verdict at a higher court, while party members across the federation were asked to go ahead with plans for participation in the convention
Wike at the meeting with his supporters applauded all those who stood against death threats and other forms of intimidation in the fight against alleged manipulated process and a skewed national convention.
He said it was unfortunate that some people were still unaware that over the years, certain methods of doing things in Nigeria’s political system have given way to following due process.
In attendance were PDP National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, former governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, Hon Micah Jiba, Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, some BoT members, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and others.
Also there were legislators from the Southeast, South South and North Central.
His words:“On our part, it is a struggle against impunity; the key thing for all of us is that we overcame impunity; we expected that by now, we would all be working together for the interest of our party .
“In 2017, the party in power did everything through a former governor of Borno State to undo our party but some of us, as state governors, stood very firm and resisted it and everyone was able to see the result.
“Leadership is very important; it is not about arrogance or for some people to think that they are above every other person. We resolved to stay inside and fight for justice but some people think that because they have huge resources that they are not using to further develop their states, they can sway everything and everybody.
“It is unfortunate that the party’s convention cannot hold but why will they be printing just one form for one position or that someone will have the form 8 in his pocket or his house for people to come and beg for it?
“Why blame people for your problems? Who forced you to break the rules or disregard the nation’s Electoral Act?
“The constitution and the Electoral Act specify that both the Chairman and the Secretary must sign the letter to notify INEC of a proposed elective convention but you went to say that it is mere party affairs and that you can do whatever you want.
“Let me be clear: nobody, and I mean nobody, will use us to negotiate for anything. We are part of this party; we have sacrificed for it. But we will not allow anybody to trade us off for personal gain,” he said in a veiled reference to allegations that a southern governor might be seeking PDP’s presidential 2027 ticket to negotiate with the APC for the purpose of being allowed to produce his successor.
He said it was an irony that some of the governors who used to accuse him of working for the ruling party have dumped the PDP to join the APC while he has remained strong in PDP.
Wike described his mood as one of mixed feelings.
“On one hand, I am happy because justice has prevailed. On the other hand, I am sad because it hurts to see our great party being destroyed from within.
“Those of us fighting today are not doing so for ourselves. We are doing it because we want the PDP to stand for something, for due process, fairness, and respect for law,” he stated.
The minister criticized what he described as arrogance and insensitivity among some of the party’s leaders, accusing them of disregarding the roles played by others in sustaining the PDP over the years.
Wike berated governors and party officials who, according to him, have failed to unite the PDP at a time when Nigeria needs a strong and credible opposition.
“There can be no credible opposition that operates with impunity. If you say you want to take power from the ruling party, then you must first show Nigerians that you can obey your own rules.”
He also took a swipe at those who believe political power could be bought with money.
“Some think money will solve everything. No, it won’t. There are still people who cannot be bought, no matter how much you offer. We will continue to fight for what is right,” he said.
Wike thanked the PDP members who filed the suit ,and said: “Many people give up once they are threatened. But these men and women stood their ground. They said, ‘No, we will not allow injustice.’ I salute their courage.”
He wondered why some party leaders resorted to alleged illegality in zoning positions.
“A few people sit in their homes and decide where positions will go. They even pocket the funds meant for the process. It has never been this bad in the PDP,” he said.
Wike urged PDP governors to use the resources available to them to develop their states and strengthen the PDP, rather than “use the money to kill the party.”
“The funds available to states today are more than ever before. That money should be used to build infrastructure and reduce unemployment — not to weaken our party. We will not agree to that,” he declared.
Wike pledged that his group remains open to genuine dialogue but warned that they would not be blackmailed into submission.
“We are open to peace, but we will not be blackmailed. We will continue to stand for truth and fairness until justice prevails in the PDP.”
Judgement crucial step towards sanitising political system
In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the group – PDP Concerned Stakeholders- described the judgement as a crucial step towards sanitising Nigeria’s political system by reasserting the necessity of lawful, transparent and accountable political processes and the rejection of impunity.
It commended the courage of the judiciary in affirming the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.
Former Abia state Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who read the communiqué restated the group’s commitment to the principles of fairness, justice, equity and inclusivity.
He said: “our observations are that today’s judgment has affirmed the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Electoral Act, the INEC electoral guidelines and the PDP constitution and has clarified the lawful rules and boundaries of party officers in the management of his affairs.
“That the judgment conclusively affirmed that Chief Dan Osi Orbih remains the authentic National Vice Chairman South South of the Peoples Democratic Party and the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi is null and void.
“That by affirming the expulsion of Ali Odefa, the court has restored integrity and discipline in the administration of the party, while emphasising that persons expelled from the party have no locus standi to stand or litigate on his behalf.
“That the court further reaffirms that all external correspondence to INEC must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, while the National Secretary remains the principal signatory to all official correspondences of the party.
“The court further emphasised that no valid national convention of the party can hold until all due processes as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Electoral Act, INEC electoral guidelines, and the PDP Constitution are fully complied with.
“That this judgment further establishes that plaintiff’s action was not an interference in the party’s internal affairs, but a patriotic effort to ensure that INEC performs its constitutional duties in enthroning internal democracy in political party administration in Nigeria.
“That decision marks a crucial step towards sanitising Nigeria’s political system by reasserting the necessity of lawful, transparent and accountable political processes and the rejection of impunity.
“Our resolutions include that we will abide by the judgment of the court in its entirety. We commend and affirm our faith in the Judiciary. As loyal and committed party leaders, our doors are open to reconciliation, inclusion and collective rebuilding.
“We invite all members of Goodwill across the country to join hands with us in restoring our party to its founding ideals. We call on all faithful members and leaders to stand for truth, justice and the rule of law, the very values that define our great party and its promise to Nigeria.”
Nothing will stop our November convention – Ologunagba
Responding on behalf of the PDP leadership to yesterday’s verdict, Mr. Ologunagba,said the party was appalled by it all
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today (yesterday),” he said.
The judgement,according to him,” does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years.”
He recalled the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.
Continuing, he said:“The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party.
“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.”
It’s dangerous for our democracy, says Bode George
Also reacting to the judgement,a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, said it was shocking and dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic stability, and capable of setting a troubling precedent.
He said political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference, except in clear cases of constitutional breach.
“This judgment will consume this country” George said in a statement.
The PDP chieftain called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an unjustifiable intervention capable of triggering disorder.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he added.
George questioned the basis of the ruling, insisting that INEC monitored all PDP congresses nationwide and did not raise objections or report irregularities.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” he queried.
He noted that the PDP, which has existed since 1998, has a long tradition of following due process in its internal operations, including congresses and conventions.
According to him, the decision undermines party autonomy and risks weaponising the judiciary against political stability in Africa’s largest democracy.
Court bars INEC from recognizing PDP’s national convention’s outcome
Justice James Omotosho, in his judgment, held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions under its constitution and laws stipulating the necessary steps to be taken before conducting such a convention.
Justice Omotosho also held that evidence supplied to the court by INEC and some of the respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states of the federation in breach of the law.
He said that the signing of notices and correspondence of the PDP by its National Chairman, without the National Secretary, violated the law and consequently made such notices and correspondence a nullity.
The judge stated that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.
Besides, he said the failure of the PDP to comply with the laws put the planned convention in jeopardy.
He asked the PDP to take the appropriate steps before going ahead with the election.
He restrained INEC from receiving, publishing or recognising the outcome of the convention until the law is complied with.
The judgment was on a suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 filed by three aggrieved members of the party.
The plaintiffs – Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) – said they were unhappy with the manner the national chairman has been running the affairs of the party.
Defendants in the suit were INEC, the PDP, its National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
By an order of the court, made on September 14 pursuant to applications by PDP’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum and two other key officials – Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi – Justice Omotosho joined the three as defendants in the suit.
In yesterday’s judgment, Justice Omotosho noted that Article 36(1) (a) and (b) of the PDP Constitution empowers the National Secretary of the party to handle the correspondence of the party and issue notices of meetings, congresses and conventions.
The judge said it was wrong for the leadership of the PDP to exclude its National Secretary from its activities, preparatory to the convention.
Justice Omotosho referred to the cases witnessed by the PDP in Cross River and Kebbi states, where the party’s notice of congress was signed only by the National Chairman, and said the document was dated September 25.
The judge held that the action of the PDP’s National Chairman in signing notice of congress as well as the postponement notice, was invalid and as such INEC could not accord the congress to be conducted thereto, any recognition.
The court also invalidated the October 15 National Executive meeting of the PDP because the party failed to issue notice which deprived INEC the opportunity to monitor.
Omotosho said non-compliance with the laws and regulations of political parties, if allowed ,would open the floodgates of disobedience to the Electoral Act and will be detrimental to democracy.
He said although INEC might not be able to stop political parties from conducting their meetings, congresses and conventions, the Electoral Act empowers it to “invalidate such deficient meetings, congresses and conventions”, to serve as a punitive measure to check abuses.
The judge added that the signing of notices by the Chairman alone is an act which contravened the Electoral laws as well as the party’s regulations and guidelines.
The judge further held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.
He added that the failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy, and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.
He held that INEC was under the obligation to ensure strict compliance with the law.
The judge admonished the PDP to issue appropriate notices for the conduct of congresses for states and zones where congress did not hold or were postponed.
He said such notices must be signed by both the PDP’s National Chairman and National Secretary to make them valid.
Omotosho said: “INEC is not expected to give recognition to any convention not done in line with the law. INEC should not accept the results of any convention in breach of the law.”
The judge also restrained INEC from posting on its website any action done in breach of the Electoral Act or any other laws.
Earlier in the judgment, Justice Omotosho struck out the submissions made by Chris Uche (SAN) and Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) on behalf of the PDP, and its organs.
The judge held that by the evidence before the court, both senior lawyers were not the proper lawyers to represent the PDP and its organs.
Justice Omotosho noted that, as against the respondents’ contention, the case of the plaintiffs extended beyond the purview of the internal affairs of the PDP.
According to him, issues relating to the internal affairs of political parties constitute “a no-go area for the court,” but observed that the plaintiffs were not contending the party’s leadership.
He said the plaintiffs, going by their filings, were concerned with the need for INEC to perform its statutory duty of ensuring that political parties abide by the electoral laws, guidelines and regulations on meetings, congresses, primaries and conventions.
He said: “a suit challenging the executive decision of INEC is not an internal affair of a political party,” adding that the electoral body “is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring, making regulations and guidelines for the conduct of party’s primary, congresses and conventions.”
In dismissing the defendants’ notice of preliminary objection, Justice Omotosho held that his court could not turn its eyes away from the glaring breach of the Constitution and electoral laws by the PDP, which claimed that its actions were within the internal affairs of the political party.
The judge noted that his court would be supporting illegality should it close its eyes and ears to PDP’s conduct.
Justice Omotosho overruled the defendant’s challenge of the plaintiffs’ right to initiate the suit, noting that the plaintiffs’ grievance was with INEC’s conduct and not the PDP
The judge noted that the suit was a civil case, intended to sanitise the political system and ensure that parties comply with the laws and their own constitution.
Sule Lamido loses bid to stop convention
In a separate ruling yesterday in a suit by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Justice Peter Lifu, of the Federal High Court,Abuja rejected an ex-parte motion by the plaintiff to restrain the PDP from proceeding with the national congress.
The motion was argued by his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN).
Justice Lifu ordered the PDP and INEC, listed as defendants in the suit to appear before him and show cause why the ex-governor’s prayers should not be granted.
The judge said: “I have also averted my mind to Order 26 Rules, 8(c) of the Rules of this court and the need to exercise my discretion judicially and judiciously.
“Consequently, considering the entire gamut of the entire suit, it is my considered view that Order 26 rule 8(c) of the 2019 Rules of this court be invoked to enable this court balance the scale and equities of the parties.
“In that wise, the respondents in this suit are herein ordered to show cause within the next 72 hours effective from the date and time of service of this order on them why the prayers of the applicant should not be so granted.”
Justice Lifu then adjourned further hearing to November 6.
Lamido, in suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, is among others, challenging the manner the party’s leadership was proceeding with its plans to hold a national convention to elect a new crop of leaders.
