Appeal Court Upholds Ruling Preventing INEC from Recognizing PDP Convention

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has rejected an appeal submitted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against a ruling made on October 31 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This ruling restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the national convention that the PDP intends to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel of the appellate court found the appeal to be lacking in merit.

The court determined that the PDP's appeal was unfounded and confirmed that the Federal High Court had justly issued the October 31 ruling while granting all the requests made by the plaintiffs in the case.

As the situation unfolds, it is reported that various PDP leaders from opposing factions are currently engaged in legal proceedings.

The Court of Appeal challenged the PDP's argument that the trial court did not have the authority to address matters because the issues stemmed from the internal affairs of the party.

Moreover, the court reaffirmed that the plaintiffs had the standing to bring forth the lawsuit in order to defend their democratic rights. They also noted that the PDP was not denied a fair hearing, which it alleged in its appeal.

Additionally, the court imposed a cost of N2 million against the PDP (Turaki group) for presenting a baseless appeal. Further hearings and decisions regarding the party's other cases are pending.

Several leaders from the PDP's factions were present when the appellate court issued its ruling.