A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from going ahead with its planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention, where new national officers were to be elected.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the interim order on Tuesday following a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged that he was unfairly barred from purchasing the nomination form for the position of national chairman.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the PDP failed to comply with key legal provisions guiding the conduct of its convention, particularly the requirement to publish a timetable for the exercise. He described the party’s actions as a violation of due process.
“The evidence before the court shows that the PDP did not adhere to the legal framework for organising such a convention. In a constitutional democracy, due process of law must be strictly observed by those in authority. To act otherwise is to endanger the very foundation of democracy itself,” the judge said.
He further ruled that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, stating that excluding him from the process would cause greater harm.
Justice Lifu emphasised the judiciary’s duty under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to ensure justice is served “without fear or favour,” warning that neglecting such responsibility could lead to disorder.
Consequently, the court ordered that the PDP must not hold the convention on November 15 and 16, or on any other date, either in Ibadan or any other location. INEC was also directed to refrain from recognising or monitoring any outcome from the suspended event.
