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Rivers PDP Disavows Ibadan National Convention as Illegitimate
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Rivers State has openly dismissed the legitimacy of the recent national convention convened in Ibadan, branding the assembly as unauthorized and lacking any legal standing. The party asserts that the convention was organized in blatant violation of several court injunctions, thereby nullifying its outcomes from inception.
Judicial Disputes Cast Shadow Over the Convention
In a press release by Kenneth Yowika, Rivers PDP’s Publicity Secretary, it was highlighted that the convention proceeded despite two Federal High Court orders explicitly barring the event. Although a Federal High Court in Ibadan granted approval, contradictory rulings from other judicial bodies were ignored by the organizers, who went ahead to elect new national leadership and dissolve certain state-level executives.
Applauding INEC’s Decision to Remain Neutral
The Rivers PDP has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its principled choice to refrain from endorsing or participating in the Ibadan convention. This stance is viewed as a strong commitment to upholding democratic norms and respecting judicial directives. Yowika underscored that INEC’s non-involvement aligns with the existing court orders that restrained the PDP from conducting the convention.
Trust in the Judiciary and a Call for Peaceful Conduct
The party expressed unwavering confidence that the judiciary will ultimately invalidate the convention, as the case is presently under consideration by the Court of Appeal. Members have been urged to remain calm and avoid any provocative actions that might escalate tensions during the ongoing legal proceedings.
“This poorly conceived convention is currently under judicial review and is unlikely to withstand legal scrutiny. We place full faith in the courts and encourage all party members to do the same,” the statement concluded.
Understanding the Role of Courts in Regulating Party Activities
In recent years, political party conventions in Nigeria have frequently become arenas for legal battles, highlighting the judiciary’s pivotal role in safeguarding internal party democracy. For example, in 2023, court interventions successfully halted unauthorized party congresses, demonstrating the courts’ increasing influence in settling intra-party disputes.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, strict compliance with legal frameworks governing party operations is crucial to fostering transparent and credible political processes across Nigeria.
