The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Thursday, November 13, for judgment in the suit filed by Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa State, challenging his exclusion from the chairmanship contest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date after counsel for all parties adopted their written addresses and presented their final arguments.
Those who appeared included Jeph Njikonye, SAN, for Lamido; Omokayode Dada, SAN, for the PDP; Joseph Daudu, SAN, for some joined parties; and counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Earlier, Justice Lifu had issued an interim order restraining the PDP from holding its planned national convention pending the determination of the suit. The court also barred INEC from monitoring or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention until the case is decided.
In granting the order, the judge held that Lamido’s application had merit, noting that the PDP failed to publish the timetable for its convention as required by law. He said the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, who would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from the contest.
Justice Lifu also noted that an order granted by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which similarly stopped the PDP from holding the convention, remained in force. He emphasised that due process must be followed in all party activities to uphold democratic principles.
Citing Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Lifu said courts must always dispense justice “without fear or favour,” adding that failure to follow due process could endanger democracy.
After the parties regularised their filings, the judge adjourned the case for judgement on November 13.
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Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Lamido said he felt unhappy taking legal action against his own party. He explained that he sought to buy the national chairmanship nomination form ahead of the 2025 PDP convention but was denied the opportunity.
“I feel sad dragging my party to court,” Lamido said. “Even though the restraining order was in my favour, it’s not something to celebrate. When brothers fight, the bond of trust is broken.”
Lamido, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, said he went to court to seek justice and ensure the party followed its constitution.
In his ex parte motion filed on October 31, Lamido asked the court to stop the PDP from proceeding with the convention until his right to contest for the chairmanship was determined.
It will be recalled that Justice Omotosho, in a separate ruling on the same day, also restrained the PDP and INEC from going ahead with the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing the party’s failure to issue the mandatory 21-day notice required for INEC’s monitoring role.
