The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the South-East Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. James Ugwu, have been cautioned against proceeding with the conduct of the South-East zonal congress in defiance of a valid court order. This warning came through a formal letter issued by the legal counsel representing Barr. Mike Nwankwo, who previously secured a court injunction restraining the PDP from organizing the congress in the South-East zone.
In separate letters addressed to INEC and Mr. Ugwu, Kalu Kalu Agu, the lead counsel to Barr. Nwankwo, reminded both parties of the subsisting order of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/325/2025, which explicitly forbids the conduct of the zonal congress. The letter warned that any attempt to proceed with the congress would amount to contempt of court, a serious legal violation that could result in punitive measures against those involved.
The legal counsel pointed out that INEC had previously acknowledged the existence of the court order by officially entering an appearance in the matter. Following the court’s directive, INEC withdrew its officials from the botched South-East zonal congress, which had initially been scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. This action, according to the letter, was a demonstration of INEC’s commitment to obeying lawful judicial orders.
Agu further emphasized that, under the PDP constitution, the authority to schedule and conduct zonal congresses lies solely with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. Since the failed congress on February 22, 2025, the NWC has not announced any new date for the exercise. The letter clarified that any attempt by other party officials or organs to fix a date for the zonal congress without the approval of the NWC would be deemed illegal and null and void.
This warning comes amid growing concerns over rumors circulating on social media. There are claims that the embattled National Vice Chairman of the PDP (South-East), Mr. Ali Odefa, through Mr. James Ugwu, has been disseminating messages via WhatsApp, alleging that the zonal congress has been rescheduled for February 26, 2025. The legal counsel urged INEC and PDP members to disregard such unofficial information, as it did not originate from the National Working Committee.
The letter further advised Mr. Ugwu and other PDP officials to refrain from any actions that could undermine the judicial process or contravene the court’s ruling. Failure to comply, the counsel warned, would be met with legal consequences.
The legal team also called on INEC to maintain its position of neutrality and ensure that its actions remain within the framework of the law. The letter highlighted that any involvement by INEC in an unauthorized congress would not only violate the court order but also erode public confidence in the commission’s integrity and impartiality.
In addition to the legal implications, the lawyer stressed the potential for political instability if the court’s ruling is ignored. He argued that any congress conducted in violation of the court order could lead to further division within the PDP in the South-East, creating a legal and political crisis that could affect the party’s standing ahead of future elections.
The counsel reiterated the need for party discipline and adherence to legal processes, urging all stakeholders to allow the court case to reach its logical conclusion before making any decisions on the South-East zonal congress.