A Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a decisive blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), issuing a final order that bars the opposition party from going ahead with its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter, ruled on Friday that the convention cannot proceed until the party complies fully with its constitution, especifically, by allowing former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido to obtain the nomination form to contest for the position of national chairman.
In a judgment arising from Lamido’s suit, Justice Lifu faulted the PDP for excluding the former governor from the contest, describing the action as a breach of internal democracy.
The judge emphasised that the party is duty-bound to operate within its own rules and offer equal opportunities to all eligible members.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or lending any form of support to the planned convention until Lamido is given access to participate.
Lamido had approached the court on October 31 through an ex parte application, arguing that without judicial intervention, the party would proceed with the convention in violation of its constitution and deny him his right to run for national chairman.
Justice Lifu declined to grant an interim order at the time but compelled the PDP and INEC to justify, within 72 hours, why the reliefs sought should not be granted.
The matter was later adjourned to November 6.
The controversy surrounding the convention has been exacerbated by contradictory court orders.
On November 4, a High Court in Oyo State directed the PDP and its acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, to proceed with the event.
That ruling, delivered by Justice A. L. Akintola following an ex parte motion filed by Folahan Adelabi, has since stirred tension within the party.
Allies of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike have reportedly petitioned the National Judicial Council, accusing Justice Akintola of misconduct and overreach.
Despite the legal turbulence, PDP governors and other senior stakeholders met on Thursday night at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where they reaffirmed that the convention must go ahead as planned.
The meeting was attended by members of the National Working Committee, serving and former governors, federal lawmakers, Board of Trustees members, and state party chairman.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged the party to suspend preparations for the convention altogether.
Hosting members of the PDP Board of Trustees reconciliation team on Wednesday, Saraki argued that only a caretaker committee could stabilise the troubled party.
In a message posted on his X handle, the former Kwara State governor stated that setting up a temporary leadership structure within 48 hours was “the most credible path to reconciliation” and a means to reassure aspirants seeking to run under the PDP platform.
The unfolding legal and political maneuvers have thrust the PDP into deeper uncertainty, raising doubts about whether the party can resolve its internal disputes in time to move forward with its leadership transition.
