A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, restrained the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention, originally scheduled for November 15–16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the convention, which is meant to elect national officers.
The order was issued by Justice Peter Lifu in response to an application filed by Alhaji Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa State.
Alhaji Lamido approached the court alleging that he was denied the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, effectively excluding him from participating in the convention.
Justice Lifu cited evidence showing that the timetable for the convention was not published to PDP members as required by law.
He emphasised that the balance of convenience favored Lamido, warning that allowing the convention to proceed unlawfully would endanger democratic processes.
“Due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge, failure of which threatens democracy itself,” Justice Lifu stated.
The judge also reminded that, under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts must dispense justice without fear or favour, and abdication of this duty would lead to anarchy.
In his final pronouncement, Justice Lifu restrained PDP from proceeding with the convention on any date or location and prevented INEC from recognising or supervising any such convention.
This ruling follows previous legal disputes within the party and continues to stall the PDP’s plans to elect new national leadership, amid ongoing internal disagreements.
