The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a major setback as a Federal High Court in Abuja stopped its planned National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court ruled that the opposition party violated its constitution and the Electoral Act in the processes leading to the event.

Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the ruling, held that the PDP failed to conduct valid congresses in some states and also breached the mandatory 21-day notice requirement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Consequently, he restrained INEC from recognizing or publishing the outcome of any convention held in defiance of the law.

The court also reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s legitimate National Secretary and faulted the National Working Committee (NWC) for issuing official documents signed only by the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, without Anyanwu’s co-signature. Justice Omotosho further declared that the inclusion of Ali Odefa, whose membership is under legal dispute, rendered previous NWC decisions invalid.

The ruling followed suits filed by some party officials who accused the leadership of flouting internal rules. Their position appeared vindicated as the judge nullified all preparatory steps toward the convention.

The verdict has reignited tensions within the PDP, already divided between factions loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Bala Mohammed, chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. Wike’s camp had earlier warned that ignoring legal procedures would plunge the party into deeper chaos.

Wike’s group outlined six conditions for reconciliation, including the conduct of fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra, a new Southeast Zonal Congress, and respect for court rulings on the Southsouth and Ekiti chapters. They also insisted that the national chairmanship remain in the Northcentral zone.

Governor Mohammed, however, dismissed the warnings, insisting that “the PDP is not afraid of anyone,” while accusing some members of trying to destabilize the party.

With the court’s decision, the PDP faces three options: defy the judgment and risk further legal trouble, appeal the ruling, or comply fully and reorganize in line with its constitution.

Analysts warn that if the party fails to resolve its internal disputes and obey the law, it may jeopardize its chances of fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.

For now, the PDP stands at a crossroads — torn between political survival and self-destruction.