**INEC Not to Recognise PDP's Ibadan Convention, Appeal Court Rules** In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Nigeria, the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The ruling has dealt a significant blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as it relates to its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the PDP's appeal against the judgment delivered on October 31. The ruling restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. The PDP had approached the Federal High Court seeking an injunction to prevent INEC from recognising the convention. However, the party's appeal against the judgment was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which held that the appeal was without merit. The appellate court also faulted the PDP's claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, saying that the issues involved were not solely internal affairs of the party. The court also ruled that the plaintiffs had the right to institute the suit to protect their democratic rights and that the PDP was not denied fair hearing. As a consequence of filing a frivolous appeal, the court awarded a cost of N2 million against the PDP. This ruling has significant implications for the PDP and its plans to hold a successful national convention. It remains to be seen how the party will respond to this development and whether it will be able to hold a convention that meets the requirements of INEC. The ruling is also a major victory for those who have been opposed to the PDP's handling of its internal affairs.