The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention, originally scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State
Justice Peter Lifu, delivering judgment in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any PDP convention held without allowing Lamido to participate as a contestant.
The court found that Lamido was unfairly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of PDP National Chairman, a move that violated the party’s constitution and internal regulations. Justice Lifu emphasized that the party is obligated to provide fair opportunities for members to pursue leadership positions.
As a result, the judge directed that the planned convention be put on hold to allow Lamido to obtain a nomination form, campaign, and mobilize support.
“An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff. In the light of the above, it is hereby held that the convention be put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign and mobilize supporters,” the judge declared.
This ruling follows a similar decision by Justice Lifu on November 11, which had also restrained the PDP from holding the convention. Lamido, through his counsel Jephthah Njikonye (SAN), had filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to stop the event, arguing that proceeding without him would violate the party constitution and deny him the chance to contest for the chairmanship.
Justice Lifu noted that Lamido’s application had merit and referenced an earlier October 31 ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which similarly halted the convention and barred INEC from participating.
However, the PDP faces a conflicting order from the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. Justice A. L. Akintola had granted permission for the party to go ahead with the convention in response to an ex parte application by PDP member Folahan Adelabi, directing INEC to monitor the election of new national officers.
The conflicting court decisions have left the status of the PDP convention in legal uncertainty as the party navigates the ongoing disputes.
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