Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final order stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 National Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, ruling that the party breached its own Constitution and guidelines.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Lifu barred the PDP from proceeding with the convention until former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, is allowed to purchase the nomination form for the National Chairmanship position and campaign for the office in line with the party’s rules.
The court also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the convention until Lamido is given full opportunity to participate. Justice Lifu held that the PDP has a legal obligation to strictly follow its Constitution and ensure equal access for all eligible members.
He faulted the party’s decision to deny Lamido the nomination form, declaring it a clear violation of internal regulations. According to him, excluding qualified members from contesting amounts to “utter breach” of the party’s Constitution and undermines internal democracy.
Friday’s ruling marks the latest judicial setback for the opposition party ahead of its national convention. Earlier on October 31, Justice James Omotosho had restrained INEC from recognizing any outcome of the planned convention, citing multiple legal infractions by the PDP.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the party failed to comply with mandatory provisions on congresses, noting that evidence from INEC and respondents showed no congresses were held in several states. He added that the signing of notices by the National Chairman without the National Secretary rendered such documents invalid, and faulted the PDP for failing to issue the required 21-day notice to INEC.
The suit, filed by Imo PDP chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia PDP chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South PDP Secretary Turnah Alabh George, further challenged the legality of the preparations leading to the convention.
The crisis deepened on November 11 when Justice Lifu granted an interim injunction stopping the Ibadan convention after Lamido petitioned the court, alleging he was unlawfully barred from purchasing the Chairmanship nomination form. The judge ruled that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, who stood to suffer “irreparable harm” if excluded.
READ ALSO: House committee praises FAAN for fostering safety culture
In his final judgment, Justice Lifu emphasized that due process is the backbone of democracy, warning that failure to uphold internal party rules threatens democratic stability. He added that courts, under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, must not abdicate their duty to dispense justice impartially.
With the latest ruling, the PDP cannot proceed with its 2025 National Convention until it resolves all constitutional breaches and allows Lamido to participate fully in the chairmanship contest.
About The Author
