A Federal High Court in Abuja has again restrained the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the fresh order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who alleged he was denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, thereby unlawfully excluding him from the contest.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the planned convention, where new national officers were expected to emerge.
Justice Lifu said the PDP failed to comply with “relevant conditions and laws” governing such conventions, including the publication of the timetable for members’ awareness. He ruled that Lamido would suffer greater harm if the convention proceeded without due process.
The judge emphasised that strict adherence to party and constitutional procedures was vital to safeguard democracy, stating that the court must not abdicate its duty “of dispensing justice without fear or favour.”
He concluded by restraining the PDP from proceeding with the convention in Ibadan or anywhere else, and prohibited INEC from recognising any outcome arising from such an event.
