The Peoples Democratic Party has directed its members nationwide to begin preparations for its forthcoming national convention, as it announced plans to challenge the court judgment that halted the scheduled convention at the Court of Appeal.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement issued on Friday, described the judgment as a direct assault on the party’s internal democracy.

Recall that despite the plan to hold its National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, internal tension continues to grip the party.

Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remain dissatisfied with the leadership of the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum.

Their grievances centre on lingering disputes over the South-South zonal leadership, control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and other states, as well as disagreements concerning the micro-zoning arrangement for the forthcoming convention.

The internal crisis ultimately escalated into a legal confrontation seeking to stop the convention.

As a result, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday issued an order preventing the PDP from going ahead with its scheduled convention in Ibadan until further notice.

 Reacting to the judgment, Ologunagba referenced the recent Supreme Court judgment that reaffirmed the authority of political parties to manage their internal affairs independently.

The statement read in part, “Peoples Democratic Party is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

“However, the PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

“Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.”

He stated that the PDP has instructed its legal team to promptly file an appeal against the ruling, reaffirming the party’s commitment to protecting, defending, and advancing multi-party democracy in the country.

It continued, “The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party

“Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.”a