A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the fresh restraining order on Tuesday while ruling on a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged that the party unjustly denied him the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, effectively excluding him from participating in the convention.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu said the order became necessary because the PDP had “failed, neglected, and refused” to comply with the legal requirements governing the conduct of its national convention.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any convention organised by the PDP.
According to the judge, evidence presented by Lamido showed that the party did not publish its convention timetable in accordance with the law, which amounted to a breach of due process.
Justice Lifu added that “the balance of convenience favoured the applicant,” noting that Lamido would suffer greater harm if he was unlawfully excluded from the process.
He further emphasised that strict adherence to due process is critical to sustaining democracy, warning that disregard for the law could endanger democratic institutions.
Citing Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the judge stated that courts must never shy away from their constitutional responsibility of dispensing justice “without fear or favour,” stressing that “anarchy would prevail anywhere the court of record fails to perform its assigned functions.”
In his final order, Justice Lifu barred the PDP from going ahead with its planned convention on November 15 and 16—or any other date—whether in Ibadan or elsewhere.
He also prohibited INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the results of any convention conducted by the party.
