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PDP convention confirmed legal following latest court decision supporting its conduct.
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INEC criticised for inaction and allowing contradictory injunctions to fuel leadership disputes.
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Board of Trustees legitimacy affirmed; due process essential in addressing expulsions of members like Wike, Fayose.
Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has affirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention is legally valid despite previous conflicting court orders.
Speaking on Saturday in an interview with Arise News, Amadi explained that the most recent court order, issued just before the convention, authorised the event, effectively nullifying earlier contradictory rulings.
He criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly neglecting its regulatory responsibilities and allowing courts to issue “contradictory and unnecessary” ex parte orders, which he said worsened the party’s leadership crisis.
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“This convention has legalisation,” Amadi declared. “The latest decision on Friday was in favour of the convention. So you cannot say it is not legal. The real problem is courts authorising and counter-authorising actions.”
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Amadi highlighted a broader concern in Nigeria, noting that political actors often rush to secure favourable injunctions instead of following established procedures. He added that INEC, which is expected to verify party leadership documents before judicial review, has largely abdicated this quasi-judicial responsibility.
He also reaffirmed the legitimacy of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), emphasising that it has been functional for over three years and cannot be arbitrarily replaced. On claims about Supreme Court restrictions, Amadi clarified that courts cannot select party leaders but may review whether parties comply with their internal rules.
Addressing recent expulsions of senior members including Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, Amadi stressed that due process is essential while questioning the loyalty of party figures allegedly aligned with rival platforms.
