Court Stops PDP Convention Again, Bars INEC From Monitoring Exercise

A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any outcome of the convention where national officers were expected to be elected.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the fresh order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.

Lamido approached the court alleging that the PDP leadership unlawfully denied him the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, thereby excluding him from participating in the convention.

The judge held that the restriction was necessary because the PDP “refused, neglected, and failed” to comply with relevant laws guiding the conduct of national conventions.

He added that Lamido’s evidence clearly showed that the timetable for the convention was not published for members’ awareness as required by law.

Justice Lifu ruled that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, stressing that he would suffer greater injustice if excluded from the exercise.

“In a Constitution, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge. To do otherwise will endanger democracy itself,” he held.

The judge emphasised that, under section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts must not abdicate their responsibility of dispensing justice “without fear or favour.”

“Anarchy would be the order of the day, any day and anywhere the court of record abdicates its constitution-assigned functions,” he warned.

In his final orders, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with the planned convention on November 15 and 16 “or any other date” in Ibadan or any other location.

He also barred INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any convention organised by the PDP while the matter remains before the court.

The ruling marks another setback for the opposition party, which has been battling internal disputes and multiple court actions ahead of its national leadership transition.