The Federal High Court in Abuja has again stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention.
In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu issued an order restraining the PDP from conducting the event until the case filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, is heard and determined.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognising any outcome of the convention until the case is decided.
Justice Lifu ruled that Lamido’s application had merit. He referred to an earlier judgment by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which also halted the PDP convention, and said granting Lamido’s request was necessary to serve justice.
The judge stated that allowing the PDP to proceed with the event would cause Lamido harm; therefore, a preservative order was needed to maintain the status quo.
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The PDP had scheduled its national convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Lamido, through his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye, SAN, filed an ex-parte motion on October 31 seeking an interim injunction to stop the party from holding the convention until his main suit is heard.
He argued that going ahead with the event would violate the PDP constitution and deny him the opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman.
Justice Lifu had earlier declined to grant the interim order on October 31 and instead directed the PDP and INEC the first and second defendants in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025 to appear within 72 hours to explain why Lamido’s request should not be granted.
The case was then adjourned to November 6 for hearing.
On November 6, the PDP and INEC filed affidavits opposing Lamido’s application. Justice Lifu later reserved his ruling and, on Tuesday, delivered the decision stopping the convention.
The judge adjourned further hearing of the substantive suit until 1 p.m.
