Again, Court Halts PDP National Convention

Kindly Share This

By Odekunle Doyin

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, citing violations of the party’s internal rules.

Justice Peter Lifu, delivering judgment on Thursday, ruled that the convention cannot proceed until the PDP complies with its constitution and allows all eligible aspirants to purchase nomination forms, including former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who filed the suit.

The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise or recognise any convention activities until Lamido is given equal access to contest for the post of national chairman.

Justice Lifu held that the PDP acted unlawfully by stopping Lamido from obtaining nomination forms, stressing that the party must guarantee “fair and equal participation” in its elective processes.

Lamido, represented by lawyer Jeph Njikonye, approached the court on October 31 seeking to halt preparations for the convention. Although the judge initially declined to grant interim relief, he directed the PDP and INEC to justify their actions within 72 hours before setting a new hearing date for November 6.

The ruling adds to the series of conflicting court orders trailing the convention. Earlier this week, an Oyo State High Court directed the PDP and its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, to proceed with the event after granting an ex parte request by party member Folahan Adelabi.

The Oyo ruling triggered protests from political figures aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who urged the National Judicial Council to investigate Justice A. L. Akintola for alleged misconduct.

Despite the legal uncertainty, PDP governors reiterated on Thursday that the convention should go ahead, insisting after a meeting in Abuja that the party must hold its national elective exercise as planned.

But calls have grown within the party for a temporary suspension of the event. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki told the PDP Board of Trustees reconciliation team that setting up a caretaker committee would offer a more credible path to resolving internal disputes and rebuilding confidence ahead of future elections.