The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its judgment in the suit filed by Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State governor, challenging his exclusion from contesting the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The ruling, which was scheduled for Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu, could not be delivered as planned.
During Thursday’s proceedings, the court registrar informed the lawyers, litigants, and the former governor who were all present that the judgment was not yet ready.
He added that a new date for its delivery would be communicated to all parties in due course.
Justice Lifu had earlier fixed the date for judgment after hearing final arguments from all parties on Tuesday. At that session, Lamido’s counsel, Jeph Njikonye, SAN; PDP’s lawyer, Omokayode Dada, SAN; Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing other joined parties; and INEC’s counsel all adopted their written addresses and presented their submissions.
Earlier on Tuesday, Justice Lifu had issued an interim order restraining the PDP from proceeding with its scheduled national convention pending the determination of Lamido’s substantive suit.
He also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognizing any outcome of the convention until the matter is resolved.
In his ruling, the judge stated that Lamido’s ex parte application had merit and was therefore granted.
He observed that evidence presented by Lamido indicated the PDP failed to properly publish the timetable for the convention as required by law.
Read also: Convention: PDP’s woes continue as Lamido battles party over chairmanship position
Justice Lifu further noted that the balance of convenience favored the applicant, as Lamido would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from the process. Consequently, the court deemed it necessary to issue the preservative order.
After a brief adjournment to allow parties to regularize their filings, the matter was recalled, and final addresses were adopted.
The judge subsequently fixed November 13 for the delivery of judgment now postponed.
