Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has once again suspended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its 2025 National Convention, which is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
The court has also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or acknowledging the results of the National Convention, during which national officers are expected to be elected. Justice Peter Odo Lifu issued this recent order while delivering a ruling on an application submitted by Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State.
Lamido, a foundational member of the PDP, initiated legal proceedings against the party, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, which would have enabled his participation in the convention.
The judge issued the restriction order against the PDP for the party's failure to comply with the requisite conditions and legal stipulations governing the conduct of such conventions. The judge determined that Lamido's evidence showed the timetable for the convention had not been disseminated to its members, as mandated by law.
Justice Lifu further asserted that the balance of convenience favored Lamido, as he would suffer greater harm if he were unjustly excluded from the planned convention. To address this matter, the judge noted that the former governor had agreed to pay damages to the PDP in the event that his suit is deemed frivolous.
According to the judge, it is imperative within a constitutional framework that due process of law is strictly observed by those in authority, as any deviation from this could jeopardize democracy itself.
He emphasized that, in accordance with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the judiciary must fulfill its obligation to dispense justice impartially. Justice Lifu articulated that a breakdown of order would ensue if courts abdicated their constitutionally assigned responsibilities. In his conclusive statement, the judge restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, or on any subsequent date, in Ibadan or any other location.
It should be noted that another judge of the same court, James Omotosho, had previously issued a similar ruling on October 31, prohibiting INEC from supervising or recognizing the outcome of the convention, should it occur.
Omotosho's decision was based on the observation that due process had not been observed in the planning of the convention. Furthermore, he indicated that the PDP's failure to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses hindered INEC from fulfilling its responsibilities to monitor these conferences and congresses.
Justice Omotosho concluded that the PDP's non-compliance with legal requirements had placed the planned convention at risk, advising the party to undertake the necessary measures prior to proceeding with the elections. He subsequently restrained INEC from accepting, publishing, or recognizing the results of the convention planned for Ibadan until legal compliance was achieved.