From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending the determination of a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Tuesday in a suit in which Lamido challenged his alleged denial of access to the nomination form required to contest for the position of national chairman at the convention.
The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise or participate in any activities connected to the convention in Ibadan or elsewhere.
Lamido, through his counsel, Jephthah Chikodi Njikonye (SAN), had approached the court in suit number FHC/ABJ/CD/2229/2025 seeking to restrain both the PDP and INEC from proceeding with the convention.
He argued that denying him the nomination form violated the PDP constitution and guidelines, which guarantee equal participation for all eligible members.
He further submitted that the convention planning process excluded key stakeholders and breached principles of fairness, insisting that the process must be halted until the alleged irregularity is addressed.
Lamido is asking the court to compel the PDP to issue him the nomination form before any convention takes place.
Justice Lifu had earlier declined Lamido’s request for an interim injunction, directing both parties to appear and show cause.
However, after hearing arguments on Tuesday, the court granted the application, holding that Lamido would suffer irreparable harm if the convention proceeded without him.
The judge also referenced an earlier judgment delivered on October 31 by Justice James Omotoso, which similarly restrained the PDP from holding the convention.
Hearing on the substantive suit has been adjourned to Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
