A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an injunction stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its scheduled 2025 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State on November 15–16. The order, issued by Justice James Omotosho, restrains both the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any outcomes of the convention until the party adheres to its constitution, the Electoral Act and relevant party regulations. The suit was filed by aggrieved PDP members—many of them state‐level party officials—who argued that critical procedures relating to nominating national officers and other pre-convention processes had not been followed. They sought an interim order to preserve the status quo pending a full hearing of their petition. During proceedings, the plaintiffs urged the court to prevent what they called a breach of internal rules, warning that holding the convention under the flawed processes could render its outcomes invalid. In response, Justice Omotosho ruled that unless the PDP rectifies those procedural irregularities, the convention cannot legally proceed and INEC must not give effect to any decisions or leadership selections that emerge from it The ruling comes amid weeks of internal disputes within the party over candidate selections and primary procedures for upcoming elections. Several applications to block the convention had earlier been filed—some refused, others adjourned—but this latest decision grants the urgent relief requested by the petitioners and pauses preparations for the convention. For now, the PDP must assess the court’s judgment and determine whether to appeal or to regularise the procedures under challenge. Until then, the party must delay its convention and any leadership transitions cannot be recognised by INEC, raising significant questions about the party’s readiness ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
