For the second time, the Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 National Convention, scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu issued the fresh order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido. The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of the planned convention, where new national officers were expected to be elected.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, had taken the party to court, claiming he was denied the chance to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, which would have allowed him to participate in the election.
Justice Lifu based his ruling on the party’s alleged failure to comply with the required legal conditions for organizing such conventions. He said evidence provided by Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not properly published as mandated by law, denying party members due notice.
According to the judge, “The balance of convenience tilts in favor of the plaintiff, who stands to suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from participating in the convention.” He further noted that Lamido had agreed to compensate the PDP if his suit was later found to be frivolous.
Emphasizing the importance of due process, Justice Lifu stated that democracy would be at risk if parties failed to follow constitutional procedures. He added that the court must uphold justice without fear or favor, as abandoning this role could lead to anarchy.
In his final ruling, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from holding the convention on November 15 and 16—or on any other date or location—until the party complies with the law. He also barred INEC from recognizing or supervising any such event.
It will be recalled that on October 31, Justice James Omotosho of the same court issued a similar order against the PDP, citing the party’s failure to give INEC the mandatory 21-day notice required for monitoring internal elections.
Justice Omotosho had warned that the PDP’s disregard for due process placed its planned convention “in jeopardy” and advised the party to comply with legal requirements before proceeding with the election.
