The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the PDP’s national convention in Ibadan scheduled for November 15–16.
A three-member appellate panel unanimously held that:
- The PDP’s appeal lacked merit
- The Federal High Court was correct in granting the plaintiffs all requested reliefs
- The plaintiffs had the legal standing (locus standi) to challenge the convention
- PDP was not denied a fair hearing
The court also awarded ₦2 million in costs against the PDP (Turaki group) for filing a frivolous appeal. Leaders from both factions of the party, including the Turaki and Mohammed groups, were present during the judgment.
This ruling reinforces the requirement that political parties must adhere to due process and legal guidelines in conducting their national conventions.
