Amid conflicting court rulings on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned national convention, delegates and party leaders have continued to arrive in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of Saturday’s exercise.
The National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, told Punch on Thursday that the party had “secured the attendance of delegates from at least two-thirds of the 36 states,” meeting the constitutional threshold for a valid convention.
He said, “As of Wednesday afternoon, delegates had already begun arriving. People have started arriving, delegates, stakeholders, state chairmen. We have secured two-thirds of the attendance of states, apart from one or two that we are doubting. Even if you don’t have all 36 states, you are still good to go with two-thirds.”
Two party members from the Federal Capital Territory confirmed to Punch that they arrived in Ibadan around 12 pm on Wednesday.
Speaking on the dispute arising from multiple court orders, Ajisafe maintained that only a superior court’s ruling could determine the legal standing of the convention.
He said, “From the legal point of view, when there are conflicting judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, the judgment is not binding on either party. It becomes persuasive. And it’s only a superior court that can give direction.”
Several courts in Abuja and Ibadan have issued contradictory orders regarding the legality of the November 15 and 16 convention.
INEC, Security Agencies Expected At Venue
Ajisafe dismissed fears that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might not attend the exercise, saying the party had fulfilled all statutory requirements under the Electoral Act 2022.
“INEC will be there because we have met the stipulated rules and regulations of engagement with INEC. The law requires 21-day notice before the convention. We have done that and even held a National Executive Committee meeting afterwards. So, we are good to go,” he said.
On security arrangements, he added that security agencies were likely to be present to ensure order.
He said, “That is an extra comfort; they may come, they may not. But they have the statutory responsibility of doing their job, even to secure protesters, not to talk of political parties, where it involves life. As the biggest political party, they have to witness it.”
Responding to former Senate President, Bukola Saraki’s call for the formation of a caretaker committee to resolve the ongoing disputes, Ajisafe warned that such a step would further destabilise the party.
“Rather, the convention should give a direction on whether having a caretaker committee will be the way to go,” he said.
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