BREAKING: Court Bars PDP From Holding National Convention

BREAKING: Court Bars PDP From Holding National Convention

A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, stopped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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 convention, where new national officers were expected to emerge.

The fresh order followed a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who accused the party of denying him the chance to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, effectively preventing him from contesting in the exercise.

Justice Lifu held that the PDP failed to comply with the necessary legal requirements and internal regulations guiding the conduct of such conventions. He noted that the timetable for the exercise was not published for the benefit of members, as mandated by law.

“The balance of convenience tilts in favour of the applicant,” the judge said, adding that Lamido would suffer greater harm if excluded from the process.

He stressed that adherence to due process is crucial in a constitutional democracy, warning that failure to follow the law threatens democratic stability.

Quoting Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Lifu emphasised that the judiciary must not abdicate its duty of dispensing justice “without fear or favour,” cautioning that any failure to do so could lead to anarchy.

In his final ruling, the judge barred the PDP from proceeding with the convention in Ibadan or any other location and ordered INEC not to supervise, monitor, or recognise the outcome of any such event organised by the party.