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National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Ememobong, has defended the legality of the party’s elective convention in Ibadan, insisting that the absence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not affect the validity of its resolutions. He also maintained that the expulsion of several high-profile members followed due process and was carried out by the party’s highest decision-making body.

Speaking on ARISE News on Sunday, Ememobong addressed concerns triggered by two conflicting Federal High Court orders—one restraining INEC from attending the convention and another permitting it to go ahead. He said the party complied fully with the Electoral Act.

“Absolutely, the convention and its outcomes will stand,” he declared.

Citing Section 82 of the Electoral Act, Ememobong explained that while political parties are required to notify INEC of conventions, the law does not compel the Commission to attend.

“Section 82(1) makes notice to INEC mandatory, but subsection (2) says INEC may attend and observe. You cannot command INEC’s presence. Our duty is to notify; the decision to observe is theirs,” he said.

He added that INEC had already acknowledged receipt of the PDP’s notice, fulfilling the legal requirement.

On the expulsion of key figures—including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—Ememobong said the decision was made within the powers of the national convention.

“The convention is the highest law-making organ of our party. Article 33(2)(J) empowers it to exercise control and take disciplinary action against all officers and members,” he stated.

Addressing why the disciplinary actions were taken now, he said the party waited in the hope that internal issues would resolve themselves, but some grievances only worsened over time. He accused certain expelled members of repeatedly ignoring the PDP’s internal mechanisms and resorting to litigation at every disagreement.

Despite the tough decisions, Ememobong stressed that the new National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, is committed to reconciliation.

“Our approach is conciliatory. The chairman wants everyone back. He says he will seek them out rather than wait for them to return,” he said.

He noted that the concerns raised by Governor Sule Lamido—who alleged denial of access to nomination forms—would be resolved through dialogue, saying the issues were factual and verifiable.

On claims that delegates from three states were absent, Ememobong insisted that the convention met the constitutional quorum.

“The quorum is two-thirds. Delegates came from across the country—Zamfara, Taraba, everywhere. We had far more than required,” he said.

He acknowledged the reservations expressed by Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, but said their concerns were about the management of the disciplinary process rather than its legality.

“They questioned the morality, not the legality. In democracy, the majority will have their way and the minority their say,” he noted.

Rejecting claims that the PDP remains divided, he said the Ibadan convention had significantly revived enthusiasm within the party.

“If you were in Ibadan, you would have seen that this is a defining moment that could herald a rebirth for the PDP,” he insisted.

Responding to questions on the controversy involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer over a land dispute in Abuja, Ememobong urged restraint on both sides.

“We must show mutual respect. Everyone is subject to the law,” he said, adding that tensions between political and military institutions should be avoided at a time when the armed forces are under pressure to combat insecurity.

“This is a time when the military has been given a marching order to stop terrorism and banditry. We should not distract them.”