The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has distanced itself from the recent convention held in Ibadan, describing the event as “ill-fated, unlawful, and lacking any legal standing.”
In a statement released on Sunday in Uyo, the chapter’s Publicity Secretary, Edwin Ebiese, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for refusing to attend the convention, saying INEC’s action demonstrated its respect for the rule of law.
Ebiese stated that the organisers of the convention acted in defiance of existing court orders.
“As a party that upholds democratic principles, every reasonable member must reject the charade that took place in Ibadan, where two valid court judgments were openly ignored,” the statement noted.
According to him, Justice Donatus Okorowo (also referenced as Justice Omotosho) of the Federal High Court had earlier stopped the convention due to non-compliance with internal procedures—specifically the requirement that authorised officers sign the notice of convention before submission to INEC.
He also cited the ruling of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a case instituted by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, which barred the PDP from holding the convention on November 15 and 16.
“This ruling highlights the need to obey the constitution and electoral laws, rendering the Ibadan gathering nothing more than a social event without legal effect,” he said.
The chapter expressed disappointment that some party members who previously advocated for internal democracy still participated in a convention conducted in disobedience of court orders.
Despite this, the Akwa Ibom PDP reaffirmed its commitment to joining “true democrats” to reclaim the party from those attempting to undermine it for personal benefit.
It added that any decisions or outcomes from the Ibadan convention were “null and void” and would be treated accordingly.
The chapter urged members to remain calm and wait for the outcome of ongoing court proceedings.
“We call on our faithful to stay focused, as the ill-advised convention is already before the Court of Appeal. Our confidence in the judiciary remains firm,” the statement concluded.
This development follows heightened tensions within the PDP, after the party expelled FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and 10 other senior figures on Saturday for alleged anti-party activities. Their expulsion was ratified during the PDP’s 20th National Convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
