The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Elder Amah Abraham, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its refusal to participate in the National Convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, which it described as “ill-fated”.
The state chapter of the party spoke in a statement by its Vice Chairman (South) and Acting Publicity Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos.
It said on the absence of INEC at the convention: “This action is in strict compliance with the judgments of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and in adherence to the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution.
“INEC’s absence alone renders the entire exercise procedurally defective and legally unsustainable.”
Appolos said the party was troubled because the convention was held in disobedience to a court order.
He added: “We view with deep concern the purported National Convention held in blatant defiance of due process and judicial pronouncements.
“It is deeply troubling that the organizers of the Ibadan gathering chose to disregard two subsisting Federal High Court judgments, instead leaning on an ineffectual ex parte order which, both in law and in fact, cannot supersede valid and extant court decisions.
“Furthermore, the attempt to hold a national convention at a time when several state congresses, including those of Anambra and Ebonyi States, have not yet been conducted, and in direct violation of explicit court orders restraining the conduct of any such convention, is not only laughable but a brazen affront to the rule of law.
“It is evident that any actions or decisions purportedly taken at the Ibadan event cannot stand the test of time nor withstand judicial scrutiny.
“We therefore urge all party members, stakeholders, and supporters to remain calm, steadfast, and committed to the path of legality.
“The issues arising from this ill-fated convention are already before the Court of Appeal, and we trust that justice will ultimately prevail.
“As a law-abiding party, we reaffirm our confidence in the judiciary and urge all faithful party members to allow the law to take its full and just course.”
