Court Blocks PDP From Holding Ibadan Convention Again

The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention, which was scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who challenged his exclusion from the party’s chairmanship race.

Lamido told the court that the PDP leadership refused to sell him the nomination form for the chairmanship position, effectively barring him from participating in the upcoming convention.

The judge ruled in his favour, stating that the party had failed to comply with mandatory legal procedures for conducting its convention, including publishing the timetable for members as required by law.

Justice Lifu held that the balance of convenience tilted toward Lamido, stressing that he would suffer greater harm if unjustly excluded from the process.

He emphasised that due process must be strictly followed in line with the Constitution, warning that any disregard for lawful procedures threatens the foundation of democracy.

The judge further noted that under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts are duty-bound to dispense justice without fear or favour, adding that failure to do so could lead to anarchy.

Consequently, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with the planned convention and prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any such event.