A Photo file of the Peoples Democratic Party

For the second time, the Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained 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 recognizing the outcome of the convention where national officers of the party are expected to be elected.

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

Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, had dragged the party before the court, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form to enable him to contest in the convention.

The judge based the restriction order on the grounds that the PDP failed to comply with the relevant laws and internal conditions guiding the conduct of such conventions. He held that evidence presented by Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not published for members as required by law.

Justice Lifu further ruled that the balance of convenience was in Lamido’s favour, noting that he would suffer greater harm if he were unlawfully excluded from the convention.

To remedy any potential loss to the party, the judge noted that Lamido had undertaken to pay damages to the PDP if his suit was later found to be frivolous.

According to the judge, due process must be strictly observed in a constitutional democracy, and any deviation from the law endangers democratic principles. He emphasized that under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, a court of law must not abdicate its duty to dispense justice without fear or favour.

Justice Lifu warned that anarchy would prevail whenever a court fails to perform its constitutional responsibilities.

In his final ruling, the judge restrained the PDP from proceeding with the planned convention on November 15 and 16 or on any other date in Ibadan or elsewhere. He also prohibited INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of any such convention.

It will be recalled that another judge of the same court, Justice James Omotosho, had on October 31 issued a similar order stopping INEC from supervising or recognizing the convention’s outcome if conducted.

Justice Omotosho’s decision was based on the finding that due process was not followed in organizing the event. He noted that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21 days’ notice of meetings and congresses required for INEC to perform its statutory monitoring duties.

He held that the party’s failure to comply with the law placed the planned convention in jeopardy and advised the PDP to fulfil all legal requirements before proceeding. Accordingly, he restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the convention scheduled for Ibadan until the law is duly complied with.