A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention scheduled for next month in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a ruling on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that the PDP failed to meet the legal requirements for conducting congresses and conventions, citing evidence presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other respondents.

The court found that the party did not conduct congresses in several states, violated internal procedures, and issued notices signed only by the National Chairman without the required co-signature of the National Secretary rendering such notices invalid. It further faulted the PDP for failing to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before its meetings.

Consequently, the court restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the outcome of any PDP convention until the party fully complies with all legal provisions.

The judgment, delivered in a suit filed by PDP officials from Imo, Abia, and the South-South zone, directed the party to regularise its congresses in affected states and ensure that future notices are jointly signed by the National Chairman and Secretary.

Shortly after the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, met with his allies under the PDP Concerned Stakeholders group in Abuja, describing the judgment as a victory against “impunity and arrogance.”

“On our part, it is a struggle against impunity. Nobody will use us to negotiate for anything. We have sacrificed for this party and will not allow anyone to trade us off for personal gain,” Wike said.

He accused some party leaders of disregarding the Electoral Act and undermining internal unity.

“There can be no credible opposition that operates with impunity. If you want to take power from the ruling party, you must first show Nigerians that you can obey your own rules,” he added.

In a communiqué read by former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the group described the judgment as “a crucial step toward sanitising Nigeria’s political system,” reaffirming its commitment to fairness, justice, and inclusivity.

However, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party would appeal the decision, insisting that preparations for the convention would continue.

“This judgment does not vitiate our ability to proceed with the processes and activities toward the national convention. We have directed our lawyers to appeal immediately,” Ologunagba stated.

Former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, described the ruling as “shocking and dangerous,” warning that judicial interference in internal party affairs could destabilise democracy.

“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he said.

Justice Omotosho, however, maintained that INEC must not recognise any PDP convention conducted in violation of the law, warning that continued disregard for party and electoral rules could undermine democratic accountability.

In a related matter, Justice Peter Lifu of the same court declined to grant an ex parte order sought by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to halt the PDP’s national congress. He instead directed INEC and the party to appear before him within 72 hours to show cause.