INEC Poised to Skip PDP Convention, Cites Court Directive
Fresh reports on Friday indicate that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will not participate in monitoring the Peoples Democratic Party’s national convention slated for this weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
A senior INEC official involved in party oversight told Saturday Punch that the commission has decided to abstain from the exercise due to an existing court order.
“INEC will not monitor the PDP convention,” the official stated plainly.
Another top source, who spoke anonymously, reinforced the commission’s stance, stressing that INEC’s actions would be guided strictly by the law and current judicial rulings.
“INEC is law-abiding. We will comply with the FCT High Court,” the source said.
It was gathered that the commission had initially prepared a press statement explaining its position but later withdrew it after internal deliberations.
Court Halts PDP Convention
The development stems from a ruling delivered on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing the PDP to suspend its planned convention.
The case was filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who was prevented from purchasing the nomination form for the national chairmanship position despite having paid for it.
Justice Lifu held that Lamido’s exclusion breached the PDP constitution and internal procedures.
He further barred INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention conducted without Lamido being allowed to contest.
The court emphasised that the PDP must ensure a fair platform for members seeking leadership positions.
As part of the consequential orders, Justice Lifu instructed the party to pause the convention to enable Lamido to obtain his form, mobilise his supporters, and campaign effectively.
“Before any convention is held, the PDP must provide the plaintiff with the nomination forms,” the judge ruled.
Oyo Court Issues Opposing Order
Complicating matters, an earlier judgment by the Oyo State High Court on November 3 had authorised the PDP to proceed with the convention.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, ruling on an ex parte motion filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi, permitted the party to continue with its preparations and directed INEC to attend and oversee the election of new national officers.
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