Federal High Court bars INEC from recognising PDP convention results

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, 2 February 2026, issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) recent national convention. The court cited alleged procedural irregularities in the conduct of the convention as the basis for its ruling.
The decision followed a suit filed by a faction within the party, which challenged the legitimacy of the convention and the processes leading to the election of party officials. The court’s order prevents INEC from formally acknowledging the convention results or allowing any party structures elected at the event to be operational until the matter is fully resolved.
In its judgment, the court highlighted concerns over the adherence to the party’s constitution and statutory requirements governing internal party elections, emphasizing the need for due process and transparency in political party operations.
The PDP national convention, held in late January 2026, was intended to elect party executives and set the stage for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, disputes arising from the convention have escalated into legal challenges, prompting judicial intervention.
Party officials and legal analysts say the ruling could delay the formalisation of leadership structures within the PDP and affect internal decision-making processes, including candidate selection and campaign preparations.
As of 2 February 2026, INEC had not issued a formal response to the court order, and the PDP has indicated that it will comply with judicial directives while exploring avenues for resolving internal disputes.
Observers note that the development underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s major political parties and highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring compliance with party constitutions and electoral laws.