Again, Court halts PDP from holding National Convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention, pending the hearing and determination of a substantive suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the ruling on Tuesday, also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognizing the outcome of the convention until the case is resolved.

The judge ruled that Lamido’s application had merit and should be granted, adding that allowing the PDP to hold the event would cause the former governor greater harm.

He cited an earlier judgment by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which had also stopped the PDP from holding the convention, saying it was in the interest of justice to preserve the status quo.

The PDP had scheduled its national convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had filed an ex-parte motion on October 31 seeking an interim order to restrain the party from holding the convention, arguing that doing otherwise would breach the PDP’s constitution and deny him a fair opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman.

Justice Lifu had initially refused to grant the order immediately but directed the PDP and INEC — listed as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025 — to show cause within 72 hours why Lamido’s request should not be granted.

Both the PDP and INEC later filed their responses, urging the court to dismiss Lamido’s application. However, after considering their submissions, the court ruled in favour of the former governor.

Justice Lifu also adjourned the case until 1 p.m. on Tuesday for the hearing of the substantive matter.