Again, Court Stops PDP National Convention, Bars INEC From Involvement
A Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention, initially scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any outcome from the planned convention, where national officers were set to be elected, Channels reports.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the restraining order on Tuesday following an application by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.
Lamido had sued the party, claiming he was unfairly denied the chance to purchase the nomination form for the national chairmanship, effectively excluding him from the exercise.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Lifu said the PDP failed to comply with the legal requirements for conducting such conventions.
He noted that the party did not publish the timetable for the exercise as required by law, which constituted a breach of due process.
The judge added that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, as he would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded.
“In a constitutional democracy, due process of law must be strictly observed by those in authority. To act otherwise is to endanger the very foundation of democracy itself,” he said.
Justice Lifu further warned that the judiciary must perform its constitutional duties to prevent anarchy, citing Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution.
The court’s final order restrains the PDP from holding the convention on November 15–16 or any other date, in Ibadan or elsewhere, and instructs INEC not to monitor or recognise the results of any such gathering.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
