The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention, pending the determination of a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention until the substantive case is decided.
The judge described Lamido’s application as “meritorious,” adding that allowing the PDP to continue with the convention would cause irreparable harm to the applicant. Justice Lifu held that the interim order was necessary to preserve the subject matter of the suit and ensure justice is served.
Citing an earlier judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which similarly halted the PDP’s convention, Justice Lifu maintained that it was in the interest of justice to grant Lamido’s request.
The PDP had fixed its national convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. However, Lamido, through his counsel, Chief Jeph Njikonye, SAN, approached the court to stop the exercise, arguing that the party’s planned convention would breach its constitution and deny him a fair opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman.
Although Justice Lifu had initially declined to grant an interim order on October 31, he directed the PDP and INEC — listed as the first and second defendants in the case (FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025) — to appear before the court within 72 hours to show cause why Lamido’s prayers should not be granted.
The matter came up again on November 6 after both defendants filed affidavits urging the court to dismiss Lamido’s application. After hearing arguments, Justice Lifu reserved ruling for Tuesday, when he ultimately ruled in favour of the plaintiff.
Following the ruling, the judge adjourned the substantive hearing of the case till 1 p.m. today.
Source: NAN
