Former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eddy Olafeso, has accused those opposing the party’s national convention of working to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.

Olafeso made the allegation on Tuesday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

Reacting to the Federal High Court’s order stopping the PDP from holding its national convention scheduled for November 15 to 16 in Ibadan, Olafeso described the decision as “the climax of judicial rascality”.

“The restraining order from the Federal High Court today against our scheduled convention did not come as a shock to us.

“A group is focused on ensuring that they destroy the party completely, but we will not allow it. Good will prevail over evil,” he said.

Olafeso insisted that the party would not be deterred by the ruling, expressing optimism that the convention would still hold.

“We will not allow this. I’m energised, like many of our colleagues, that this shall not stand. The truth and justice must prevail,” he stated.

He also alleged that those working against the PDP had ulterior motives aimed at weakening the opposition.

Alleged Betrayal

Olafeso also criticised some former party members for betraying the PDP after benefiting from it.

“They have their agenda. It is not for the people. It is to entrench a one-party state, and that cannot occur well for our country.

“Many of them were unknown until they became governors. What baffles us is the level of their rebellion against the same party that brought them from obscurity to the limelight,” the party chieftain stated.

“They made promises. Even Governor Sule Lamido said he would stay in the PDP and work for the coalition. Yet, some of them now openly support another party for the 2027 election,” Olafeso added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding or monitoring the planned convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The ruling followed a suit by Lamido, who alleged he was denied the opportunity to purchase the nomination form for the national chairmanship position.

Justice Lifu held that the PDP failed to publish the timetable for the convention as required by law and violated due process.

He warned that neglecting the rule of law could lead to anarchy, stressing that due process was essential in a constitutional democracy.

The court ordered the PDP not to hold the convention on any date or location until it complies with all legal requirements.

This marks the second time in recent months the party’s convention has been halted by a court order.

In October, Justice James Omotosho suspended the planned exercise pending the party’s compliance with its constitution and the Electoral Act.

Meanwhile, an Oyo State High Court earlier granted the PDP temporary approval to continue preparations, though the matter was later adjourned to allow all parties to file necessary documents before the substantive hearing. (CHANNELS)