The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 11 for ruling on an application filed by Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa State, seeking to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention.
Justice Peter Lifu set the date on Thursday after hearing arguments from counsel representing Lamido, the PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Lamido, through his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN), had on October 31 filed an ex parte motion asking the court to issue an interim order restraining the PDP from conducting its convention pending the determination of his substantive suit.
He argued that proceeding with the convention would violate the party’s constitution and deny him the opportunity to contest for the position of National Chairman.
Justice Lifu earlier declined to grant the interim order and instead directed the PDP and INEC listed as first and second defendants to show cause within 72 hours why Lamido’s request should not be granted.
The matter was then adjourned to November 6 for hearing.
At Thursday’s proceedings, Lamido’s counsel reminded the court of its earlier order and confirmed that the defendants had filed their responses.
Omokayode Dada (SAN) appeared for the PDP, while Adamu Bello represented INEC. Both informed the court that they had filed and served their affidavits showing cause.
Joseph Daudu (SAN) also appeared for three PDP officials Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Hon. Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South), who applied to be joined in the suit. Daudu said the applicants were plaintiffs in a separate judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which restrained INEC from monitoring or recognising the PDP’s proposed November 15–16 convention.
Their application for joinder was granted without objection.
Adopting the PDP’s affidavit, Dada argued that Lamido was not denied the purchase of the nomination form but had missed the deadline, as the window for obtaining forms closed on September 30.
He said the PDP had followed its approved timetable and guidelines, and that the case related to the internal affairs of the party, over which the court lacked jurisdiction.
Read also: Convention: PDP’s woes continue as Lamido battles party over chairmanship position
INEC’s counsel, Bello, supported the PDP’s position and urged the court to dismiss the application. He argued that Lamido’s prayers were similar to those in his main suit and that granting an interim injunction would amount to prejudging the substantive case.
Bello added that the matter was a political issue that should be resolved within the party.
Responding, Lamido’s lawyer disagreed with both submissions, arguing that the PDP violated its constitution and that INEC failed to maintain neutrality. He urged the court to make appropriate preservative orders to protect his client’s rights pending determination of the suit.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to November 11 for ruling and further proceedings.
