Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has met with state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) head of the party’s National Elective Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.
The meeting held on Thursday night in Asokoro, Abuja at the Oyo State Government Lodge and the delegation was led by their Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, from Edo State.
Aziegbemi commended Governor Makinde for his steadfast commitment to promoting unity and stability within the party, lauding his “visionary leadership and dedication to inclusivity,” which he said had strengthened the PDP across the country.
He noted that the Oyo State Governor had played an instrumental role in steering the party through recent challenges and fostering reconciliation among members.
“Governor Makinde has been the anchor of stability in our great party. His visionary leadership and dedication to inclusivity have not only strengthened the PDP, but have radiated across the nation,” he stated.
All the state chairmen of the PDP, except those of Imo and Abia State, who took the party to court attended the meeting
In a show of unity and solidarity, the Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party… pic.twitter.com/5MoOgrq8VG
A Federal High Court in Abuja had halted the planned national elective convention of the PDP, and ordered the party to discontinue any preparations for the exercise
In his ruling on October 31, Justice James Omotosho halted the PDP’s national convention until the party complies with the statutory requirements of the party, the Constitution, and the Electoral Act.
Delivering judgement last Friday in a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party, the judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting a report on the outcome of any national convention of the party without following the due process of the law, as well as its guidelines and regulations.
The judge held that INEC is not entitled to give effect to the convention if a party has not done so in accordance with the Constitution, Electoral Act, and the guidelines/regulations of political parties.
However, the PDP also got an experte order from the Oyo State High Court, clearing the opposition party to go ahead with the planned convention.
In a ruling on November 4, Justice A. L. Akintola, granted an interim order allowing the party to hold the convention as planned in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend, monitor, and observe the exercise pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.
The ruling followed an ex parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Governor Umaru Fintiri (representing the National Convention Organising Committee); and INEC.
