By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or recognising the outcome of the forthcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice James Omotosho, in his judgment, held that the PDP failed to comply with the relevant provisions of the law governing the conduct of its convention.
The judge questioned the legality of the planned exercise, noting that evidence presented by INEC and some respondents showed that congresses were not conducted in several states of the federation, contrary to statutory requirements.
He further ruled that notices and correspondences signed solely by the PDP National Chairman, without the National Secretary’s endorsement, were invalid, as such actions contravened the party’s constitution and electoral laws.
Justice Omotosho also observed that the PDP failed to give INEC the mandatory 21 days’ notice required to enable the commission to monitor the party’s congresses and meetings.
The court held that the party’s failure to comply with the law had rendered the planned convention defective and advised the PDP to take necessary corrective steps before proceeding with the exercise.
Consequently, Justice Omotosho restrained INEC from monitoring, receiving, publishing, or recognising the outcome of the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, until full compliance with the law is ensured.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
