A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has once again stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from going ahead with its planned national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
In the ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention where national officers were to be elected.
The interim order followed an application filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged that he was unlawfully excluded from contesting for the position of national chairman.
Lamido claimed he was denied the opportunity to purchase the nomination form, contrary to the party’s constitutional provisions.
Justice Lifu, in granting the order, held that the PDP failed to comply with the legal requirements guiding the conduct of such conventions.
He noted that the evidence presented showed that the party did not publish the timetable for the exercise as mandated by law, thereby breaching due process.
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“The balance of convenience tilts in favour of the applicant, who stands to suffer greater harm if unjustly excluded,” the judge ruled.
“In a constitutional democracy, due process must be strictly observed by those in authority. To act otherwise is to endanger the very foundation of democracy itself.”
Citing Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the judge emphasised that courts must uphold justice “without fear or favour” and warned that anarchy could ensue where the judiciary fails to discharge its constitutional duties.
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Consequently, the court restrained the PDP from conducting the convention on November 15 and 16 or on any other date, whether in Ibadan or elsewhere.
It further directed INEC not to monitor or recognise the outcome of any such gathering organised by the party.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
