A Federal High Court in Abuja has again restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its proposed national convention until it complies fully with its constitution and internal guidelines.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Friday, ordered the suspension of the 2025 convention scheduled for Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court directed that the exercise remain halted until former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, is allowed to obtain the nomination form for the party’s national chairmanship position.
The judge also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or providing any form of support for the convention until Lamido is permitted to participate.
Justice Lifu stressed that the PDP is obligated to strictly follow its constitution by ensuring that all eligible members are given fair and equal opportunities to pursue their political ambitions.
He ruled that the party acted improperly by denying Lamido the chance to purchase the nomination form for the national chairman’s seat.
Lamido, through his counsel Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had filed a suit seeking an interim order stopping the PDP from conducting the convention pending the hearing and determination of his motion.
He alleged that he was unlawfully prevented from securing the chairmanship nomination form.
The court held that its decision was informed by the PDP’s failure to meet the necessary legal requirements for holding the convention.
It noted that the party did not publish the mandatory notice to members and failed to issue the required 21-day notice ahead of the exercise.