LIn a significant setback for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a Federal High Court in Abuja has once again restrained the party from holding its scheduled national convention.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Friday, ordered that the convention, slated for Saturday, November 15 and 16, in Ibadan, Oyo State, be suspended until former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido is allowed to obtain the nomination form for the party’s national chairmanship.
The judge also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from supervising, monitoring, or assisting in the Ibadan convention until Lamido is given the opportunity to participate.
Justice Lifu emphasized that the PDP is bound by its internal rules and regulations, which require that eligible members be provided with a fair chance to pursue their political ambitions. He noted, “It was wrong of the PDP to deny Lamido the opportunity to purchase the nomination form for the office of national chairman.”
Lamido, through his counsel Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had filed the suit seeking, among other reliefs, an interim order to restrain the party from conducting its convention pending the hearing and determination of his motion. The suit contends that Lamido was unfairly denied access to the chairmanship nomination process.
The court highlighted multiple procedural irregularities, including the PDP’s failure to comply with conditions and laws governing party conventions. Justice Lifu noted that the party did not publish the convention notice for members as required, nor did it issue the mandatory 21-day notice prior to the event.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s insistence on adherence to internal party democracy and could significantly impact the PDP’s preparations ahead of its much-anticipated national convention.
