The Court of Appeal of Nigeria in Abuja has affirmed a previous decision by the Federal High Court of Nigeria that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the 2025 national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The convention in question was held between November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Appeal Court’s Position
Delivering the judgment, Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam ruled that the party did not comply with key legal requirements before organizing the convention.
According to the court, the electoral commission was not properly notified about the event as required by law.
Issues Raised by the Court
The court also observed that party congresses were not conducted in the required number of states before the convention was organised.
The judge further clarified that the case brought by some party members was not simply an internal party matter but involved ensuring that the electoral body performs its statutory responsibilities.
Earlier High Court Order
Previously, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had restrained INEC from acknowledging the convention’s outcome until the party complied with the relevant legal provisions.
The suit was filed by PDP members Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George, who challenged the legality of the convention.
