On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, declared the recent ward, council, and state congresses of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) null and void.
The court also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), named as the second defendant in the case, from recognizing any officials allegedly elected during the annulled congresses.
This ruling stemmed from a lawsuit initiated by Nnenna Lynda Udeh and twelve others against the PDP in 2024. The plaintiffs argued that the congresses were unconstitutional and sought their annulment.
It is noteworthy that on November 2, some party stakeholders held a congress and elected Peter Nwele as the new state chairman of the PDP.
In his judgment, Presiding Judge Justice Hilary Oshomah stated that the congresses failed to adhere to the democratic procedures mandated by the party’s constitution. He deemed the congresses void, unconstitutional, and ineffective.
Justice Oshomah subsequently ordered that those elected during the congress cease to present themselves as members of the State Executive Working Committee.
“The PDP congress in the state is nullified, unconstitutional, and entirely without effect,” the judge asserted.
Mudi Erhenede, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. He explained, “Our clients approached the court because they were denied access to the nomination forms.”
He further noted that despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the PDP proceeded with its congress. “The court has ruled in our favor. The congress did not adhere to the democratic processes of the party. It is a legal requirement that all parties should have access to the nomination forms,” he clarified.
