For the second time, the Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 National Convention slated for Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the results of the convention where new national officers are expected to emerge.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu, on Tuesday, issued the new order while delivering a ruling in an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, had sued the party, alleging that he was denied the chance to purchase the chairmanship nomination form required to participate in the convention.
The judge based his restraining order on the PDP’s alleged refusal and failure to comply with relevant conditions and legal provisions governing the conduct of such conventions.
The judge noted that evidence presented by Lamido revealed that the timetable for the convention was not published for members’ awareness, as mandated by law.
Judge says failure to follow due process threatens democracy
Justice Lifu also held that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, stating that he would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from the planned convention.
To mitigate any potential loss, the judge added that Lamido had agreed to pay damages to the PDP should his case be found frivolous.
According to the judge, in a constitutional democracy, the due process of law must be adhered to by those in authority, warning that any deviation could endanger democratic principles.
He further emphasized that under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts must not abandon their duty of dispensing justice “without fear or favour.”
Justice Lifu stressed that “anarchy would be the order of the day any time, any day and anywhere the court abdicates its constitutionally assigned functions.”
In his final pronouncement, the judge restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 or on any other date, whether in Ibadan or elsewhere.
He also barred INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of any convention organized by the PDP.
It will be recalled that another judge of the same court, Justice James Omotosho, had on October 31, issued a similar order stopping INEC from monitoring or recognizing the convention if held.
His decision was based on findings that due process was not followed in planning the event.
Justice Omotosho further ruled that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21 days’ notice of meetings and congresses, a requirement that allows INEC to fulfill its oversight role.
He held that the PDP’s non-compliance had jeopardized the planned convention and advised the party to meet all legal obligations before conducting elections.
Justice Omotosho, therefore, restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the results of the Ibadan convention until due process is followed.
