The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong disapproval of the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The judgement restrains the party from holding its forthcoming national convention.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party maintained that the ruling, handed down by Justice Kolawole Omotosho, does not invalidate its ongoing preparations toward the convention to elect new national officers that will pilot the affairs of the PDP for the next four years.
“The judgment of the court does not vitiate our ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention,” the statement said.
The PDP further cited a recent Supreme Court pronouncement affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs, insisting that the lower court’s decision runs contrary to established legal precedents.
“Our Party notes the recent judgment of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs,” Ologunagba stated.
The opposition party therefore urged its members, chapters, and organs across the federation to remain steadfast, focused, and undeterred in their preparations for the planned national convention, which is expected to produce a new leadership team for the party.
The PDP said it has instructed its legal team to immediately appeal the ruling in order to protect the integrity of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
“As the leading opposition Party committed to the Rule of Law, the PDP 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,” the statement added.
The Federal High Court had earlier on Thursday restrained the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with the party’s national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending compliance with internal and electoral guidelines.
