The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has openly dismissed the national convention held in Ibadan, insisting that the exercise has no legal weight and cannot stand.
According to the party, the gathering was “illegal” and faulted the organisers for proceeding despite multiple court orders warning against it.
The chapter also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for refusing to attend the convention, describing the move as a firm stand for democracy.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, the Rivers PDP argued that the convention went ahead in clear violation of two Federal High Court orders.
According to the party, only one High Court in Ibadan gave permission, yet organisers ignored the conflicting rulings and still conducted the exercise, electing new national officers and dissolving certain state executives.
Yowika said the event lacked legitimacy from the onset. He described the entire convention as a “sham”, adding that the refusal of INEC to observe the process showed respect for the rule of law.
He noted that INEC’s position aligned with the judgments that restrained the PDP from holding the event.
He added that the chapter is confident the convention will eventually be nullified by a competent court.
The Rivers PDP urged members to remain calm and avoid unnecessary tension while legal issues run their course.
“The ill-advised convention cannot withstand legal scrutiny as it is already sub judice at the Court of Appeal. We rest our faith solely on the judiciary and urge all members to do the same,” the statement read.
