The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on. Friday expressed disappointment with the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, which stopped its national convention.
The court, presided over by Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, had given the order asking it to comply with requirements by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The opposition party described the development as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”
In a statement released by Debo Ologunagba, spokesman of the party, he said the judgment of the court 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.
Ologunagba said, “Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.”
He said the party has decided to ask 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.” He said
NPO Reported earlier that Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions.
The judge maintained that evidence from the electoral umpire, and some of the respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states of the federation in breach of the law.
In addition, the court held 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 correspondences a nullity.
Omotosho further cited the PDP’s failure to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC to carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.
This, according to the judge, had put the planned convention in jeopardy and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.
He therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan until the law has been complied with.
The National Chairman of Party, Iliya Damagun and the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, spoke on the Judgement of the Court.
Not only that, some of the members of the party lauded the decision of the Court saying there will be no room for impunity in the party.