The Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, stopped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from going ahead with its National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the planned convention, where new national officers were expected to be elected.
The fresh order followed an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who accused the party of denying him the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, thereby excluding him from the electoral process.
Justice Lifu held that the restriction became necessary because the PDP had failed to comply with relevant constitutional and legal requirements governing the conduct of such conventions.
According to the court, evidence presented by Lamido showed that the party did not properly publish its timetable for the convention as required by law, effectively violating due process.
“The balance of convenience tilts in favour of the applicant, who stands to suffer more if unlawfully excluded from the planned convention,” the judge stated.
Justice Lifu emphasised that adherence to due process is essential in democratic governance, warning that ignoring it could endanger democracy itself.
“Under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the court must not abdicate its responsibility of dispensing justice without fear or favour. Any day a court of record fails in this role, anarchy will take over,” he added.
In his final pronouncement, the judge restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention on November 15 and 16 or on any other date, whether in Ibadan or any other location. He also barred INEC from recognising or monitoring any convention conducted in defiance of the order.
The ruling marks the second time the court has halted the PDP’s planned national convention, further complicating efforts by the party’s leadership to elect new national officers ahead of the 2027 general elections.