The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The party had already set up the venue before the court issued the order.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling and also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognising any convention that does not follow the court’s directives.
The court found that the PDP denied former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, a fair chance to obtain a nomination form for the National Chairmanship position. According to the ruling, this violated the PDP Constitution and its internal regulations. Justice Lifu noted that evidence showed Lamido was “unjustly denied” the opportunity to contest, stressing that political parties must give all members an equal chance to pursue leadership positions.
As a result, the PDP must suspend all convention activities until Lamido is allowed to obtain his nomination form. He must also be given time to campaign and mobilise supporters within the party. The judge added that the party must take “deliberate measures” to ensure fair participation for all members.
This ruling means the Ibadan convention cannot go ahead until the court’s conditions are fully met, ensuring fairness in the party’s leadership race.
