Fresh indications on Friday revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will not be monitoring the Peoples Democratic Party’s national convention, scheduled to take place this weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
A senior INEC official involved in monitoring party conventions told Saturday Punch that the commission had resolved to stay away from the event following a subsisting court order.
“INEC will not monitor the PDP convention,” the official said bluntly.
Another top official, who requested anonymity, reaffirmed the commission’s position, insisting that the law and existing judicial directives would guide its actions.
“INEC is law-abiding. We will obey the FCT High Court,” the source added.
Punch gathered that INEC had initially drafted a press statement to clarify its stance on the convention, but later withdrew the document after an internal review.
Court Orders Suspension Of PDP Convention
The development followed a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, ordering the PDP to suspend the convention.
The suit was filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who was denied access to purchase the nomination form for the national chairmanship position despite having made the payment.
Justice Lifu ruled that excluding Lamido violated the PDP constitution and internal regulations.
He restrained INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention conducted without Lamido included as a contestant.
The court held that the PDP had a duty to provide a fair opportunity for members to pursue their political aspirations.
As part of the consequential orders, Justice Lifu directed the party to halt the convention to allow Lamido to obtain his form, mobilise supporters, and campaign.
“An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff,” Justice Lifu declared.
Conflicting Oyo Court Order Adds To Confusion
Despite the FCT High Court order, a conflicting judgment issued by the Oyo State High Court on November 3 had permitted the PDP to proceed with the convention.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, ruling on an ex parte application by a PDP member, Folahan Adelabi, authorised the party to go ahead with its plans and directed INEC to attend and monitor the election of new national officers.
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