Federal High Court Halts PDP Convention Amid Conflicting Oyo Court Order
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention, initially scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, also directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise or recognize any PDP convention held without including Lamido 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 violation of the party’s constitution and internal regulations. Justice Lifu emphasized that the party has a duty to ensure fair access for members to pursue leadership positions.
Accordingly, the judge ordered that the convention be put on hold to allow Lamido to obtain the nomination form, campaign, and mobilize support.
“Before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff. The convention is hereby put on hold for the plaintiff to campaign and mobilize supporters,” Justice Lifu stated.
This decision follows a similar ruling by Justice Lifu on November 11, which also restrained the PDP from holding the convention. Lamido, through his lawyer Jephthah Njikonye (SAN), had filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to prevent the event, arguing that moving forward 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 referred to an earlier October 31 ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which also halted the convention and restrained INEC from participating.
However, the PDP faces a contradictory order from the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. Justice A. L. Akintola had approved the party’s convention in response to an ex parte application by PDP member Folahan Adelabi, instructing INEC to attend and monitor the election of new national officers.
The conflicting court orders have created uncertainty over whether the PDP convention can proceed as planned.
