A Federal High Court in Abuja has once again stopped the Peoples Democratic Party from holding its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. Lamido had approached the court after he was allegedly prevented from purchasing the nomination form to contest for the position of national chairman.
In the ruling, Justice Lifu held that the party failed to comply with legal procedures required for organising a national convention, including the publication of a timetable for the exercise.
“Evidence before this court shows that the defendant failed to publish the timetable as mandated by law. The act amounts to a breach of due process,” the judge said.
He added that allowing the PDP to proceed would cause greater harm to the plaintiff.
“The balance of convenience weighs in favour of the applicant, who stands the risk of being excluded from due participation if this court does not intervene,” he stated.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from monitoring, supervising or recognising any convention conducted by the party pending the determination of the suit.
Justice Lifu emphasised the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic norms, saying,“In a constitutional democracy, due process must be upheld by those in authority. To disregard it is to endanger the foundations of democracy itself. Courts must not abdicate their duty to dispense justice without fear or favour.”
The ruling marks the second time within weeks that a court has stopped the PDP from proceeding with its convention. In October, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court also restrained the party over similar concerns about compliance with its internal rules and the Electoral Act.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, an Oyo State High Court granted an interim order allowing the PDP to continue its convention plans, pending further hearing. That case is still awaiting full arguments from all parties.
