The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for refusing to monitor what it described as the “illegal and invalid” national convention held in Ibadan.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, the party said INEC’s decision to obey subsisting court orders and distance itself from the exercise was “a victory for democracy and the rule of law.”
The chapter, led by Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, DSSRS, JP, said the boycott affirmed confidence that institutions can still uphold due process “even in the face of provocation.”
According to the party, the Federal High Court ruling by Justice Omotosho—restraining INEC from monitoring the convention because the PDP leadership failed to follow its own rules—made the exercise invalid. Justice Omotosho had barred the electoral body after ruling that designated party officials did not sign the notice of convention sent to INEC, in violation of the Electoral Act and party constitution.
The Rivers PDP also thanked INEC for recognising another judgement delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido. The ruling halted the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 after Lamido was unable to obtain a nomination form to contest for national chairman.
The party said INEC’s compliance with both judgements “exposed the Ibadan gathering as a social event, not a political convention,” adding that any decisions taken there “will be thrown out by a competent court.”
Describing the development as embarrassing for a party that once prided itself on democratic values, the Rivers PDP accused unnamed actors of attempting to destroy the party “for pecuniary benefits.”
It further criticised the decision to proceed with the convention despite unresolved congresses in states such as Anambra and Ebonyi, insisting that any outcome from the exercise is “illegal” and “a joke taken too far.”
The party urged its members to remain calm, stressing that the matter is already before the Court of Appeal and cannot stand legal scrutiny.
“We rest our faith solely on the judiciary and urge all members who believe in democratic principles to do the same,” the statement added.
