Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
For the second time in less than a month, the Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its 2025 National Convention, which was scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of the proposed convention where new national officers were expected to emerge.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, came following a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor and founding member of the PDP, Sule Lamido. In the suit, Lamido alleged that he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, effectively excluding him from participating in the upcoming convention.
Justice Lifu based his ruling on findings that the PDP had failed to meet the legal and procedural requirements for organizing such a convention. He noted that evidence presented by Lamido showed that the party did not publish its convention timetable as required by law, thereby depriving members of adequate notice.
The judge observed that the balance of convenience was in favor of Lamido, stating that the former governor would suffer greater harm if wrongfully excluded from the process. He further noted that Lamido had undertaken to pay damages to the PDP if his suit was later deemed frivolous.
Justice Lifu emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law in a constitutional democracy, warning that failure to do so could undermine the nation’s democratic framework. According to him, “in a Constitutional democracy, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge; to do otherwise will endanger democracy itself.”
Citing Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, he stressed that the judiciary must never abdicate its duty to dispense justice without fear or favor, adding that “anarchy would be the order of the day any time, any day, and anywhere the court of record abdicates its constitutionally assigned functions.”
Consequently, the court restrained the PDP from holding the convention in Ibadan or any other location until proper legal procedures are followed. INEC was also directed not to monitor, supervise, or recognize any outcome of such a convention held in defiance of the court order.
This latest ruling follows an earlier judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the same Federal High Court on October 31, which issued a similar order stopping INEC from supervising or recognizing the PDP’s convention. Justice Omotosho had ruled that the party failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses required by law for INEC’s monitoring.
He further advised the PDP to correct the legal lapses before proceeding with its internal elections, warning that the failure to comply with electoral regulations had put the convention process in jeopardy.
The fresh order by Justice Lifu reinforces the legal setback for the PDP as it attempts to organize its national convention amid growing internal disputes and procedural challenges.
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