The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has distanced itself from the recent party convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, 15 November, describing it as “ill-fated and unlawful.”

The state chapter, led by Aniekan Akpan, also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for boycotting the convention.

In a statement issued by Edwin Ebiese, PDP Publicity Secretary, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday, he said the chapter would not recognise a convention where two subsisting court judgments were disregarded.

He explained: “As a party that upholds democratic values, it is imperative that every member of sound judgment renounce the charade perpetrated in Ibadan, where two subsisting court judgments were brazenly disregarded. Notably, the Federal High Court, Justice Omotosho, had explicitly halted the convention due to the party’s leadership failure to adhere to its own rules, specifically the non-compliance with the requirement for designated officials to sign the notice of convention before submission to INEC.

“We commend INEC for acknowledging the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court 9, Abuja, instituted by H.E. Sule Lamido, which barred the convention from holding on the 15th and 16th. This ruling underscores the importance of respecting the constitution and electoral laws, thereby exposing the Ibadan gathering as a mere social event devoid of legal validity.”

Ebiese therefore appealed to party faithful to remain resolute and focused, noting that the actions arising from the convention are already sub judice at the Court of Appeal, while expressing confidence in the judiciary as they await the outcome of the legal process.