Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has again been stopped from holding its planned national convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued an order restraining both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from organising, supervising, or recognising the outcome of the event if conducted.
The decision followed an application filed by Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State, who alleged that the party had unlawfully denied him the right to purchase the nomination form for the position of national chairman.
Lamido, represented by his lawyer, Jephthah Njikonye, had earlier filed an ex parte motion on October 31 seeking to halt the planned convention pending court determination.
Justice Lifu ruled that Lamido’s request had merit, stating that the PDP failed to adhere to procedures and legal requirements for organising a valid convention.
He also directed both the PDP and INEC—listed as first and second defendants—to provide reasons why the former governor’s prayers should not be granted.
The judge noted that evidence presented by Lamido showed the party did not publish the convention timetable for members as mandated by law, adding that the plaintiff, being a legitimate party member with an interest in the chairmanship seat, would face greater harm if the injunction was not granted.
According to him, Lifu said he found no reason to depart” from an earlier judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the same court, which had similarly restrained the PDP and INEC from proceeding with or recognising the proposed convention.
Recall that on October 31, Justice Omotosho had barred the PDP from holding the event, citing irregularities in the conduct of state congresses required by the 1999 Constitution, INEC guidelines, and the party’s constitution.
However, the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, issued a contrary order on November 4, directing the PDP and its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, to proceed with the convention.
