The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday failed to deliver judgment in the suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, challenging his exclusion from contesting the chairmanship position at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention.
Justice Peter Lifu, who had fixed Thursday for the ruling, could not deliver the judgment as scheduled.
The court registrar informed lawyers and litigants, including Lamido, that the judgment was not ready and that a new date would be communicated to the parties.
Justice Lifu had earlier, on Tuesday, fixed November 13 for judgment after counsel representing the parties adopted their written addresses and made final submissions. Lamido was represented by Jeph Njikonye (SAN), while Omokayode Dada (SAN) appeared for the PDP.
Joseph Daudu (SAN) represented other joined parties, and counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also made submissions.
Earlier in the week, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with its planned national convention pending the determination of Lamido’s substantive suit.
The court also barred INEC from monitoring, supervising, or recognising any outcome from the convention until the matter is resolved.
In granting the order, the judge ruled that Lamido’s application had merit, noting that evidence before the court showed that the timetable for the convention was not duly published as required by law.
Justice Lifu further held that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, who would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from the exercise. The matter was subsequently stood down to allow parties to regularise their processes before final arguments were taken.
After hearing from all sides, the court had reserved judgment for November 13, but it will now announce a new date to deliver the ruling.
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.
