JUST-IN: Again, Court Bars PDP From Holding Convention, Stops INEC From Recognising Outcome

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has again halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 National Convention, scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.

The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or recognising the outcome of the National Convention where national officers are expected to be elected.

Justice Peter Odo Lifu on Tuesday issued the fresh order while delivering a ruling in an application brought by a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.

Lamido, a foundation member of the PDP, had dragged the party before the court, complaining that he was denied the opportunity to buy the Chairmanship nomination form, which would have enabled him to participate in the convention.

The judge predicated the restriction order against PDP because the party refused, neglected and failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions.

The judge held that evidence from Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not published for the attention of its members as required by law.

Justice Lifu also held that the balance of convenience tilted towards Lamido because he would suffer more if allowed to be unlawfully excluded from the planned convention.

To make a remedy, the judge stated that the former governor had agreed to pay damages to the PDP if his suit was found to be frivolous.

According to the Judge, in a Constitutional system, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge, adding that to do otherwise will endanger democracy itself.

He also said that in line with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the court of law must not abdicate its role of dispensing justice without fear or favour.

Justice Lifu held that there would be anarchy if the court of record abdicated its Constitution-assigned functions.

In his final pronouncement, the Judge restrained PDP from proceeding with the convention billed for November 15 and 16 or any other date in Ibadan or any other place.

It will be recalled that another Judge of the same court, James Omotosho, had issued similar orders on October 31, stopping INEC from supervising or recognising the outcome of the convention, if conducted.

Omotosho’s ruling was predicated on the fact that due process was not followed in the way the convention was being planned.

Furthermore, Omotosho held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses, thereby preventing INEC from fulfilling its duty to monitor such conferences and congresses.

Justice Omotosho held that the PDP’s failure to comply with the law had put the planned convention in jeopardy and subsequently advised the PDP to take the necessary steps before proceeding with the election.

He therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing or recognising the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan, until compliance with the law.