A Federal High Court in Abuja has once again barred the People's Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. The court also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of the Convention, in which national officers are due to be chosen.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the new order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by Sule Lamido, the former governor of Jigawa State.
Lamido had sued the party, claiming that he was denied the option to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, which would have allowed him to participate in the convention.
The judge issued the restriction order against the PDP because the party refused to comply with the applicable rules and laws governing the conduct of such conventions.
The judge determined that information from Lamido demonstrated that the convention's schedule was not published for the attention of its members, as required by law.
Justice Lifu also concluded that the balance of convenience favored Lamido since he would suffer more if he were unfairly barred from the upcoming convention.
According to the Judge, in a Constitution, due process of law must be carefully followed by those in power, and doing otherwise will jeopardize democracy itself.
He also stated that, in accordance with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the court of law must not abdicate its responsibility to administer justice without fear or favour.
Justice Lifu ruled that anarchy would reign supreme whenever and wherever the court of record deviated from its constitutionally mandated tasks.
In his final ruling, the Judge barred the PDP from holding the convention scheduled on November 15 and 16, or on any other date in Ibadan or elsewhere.
He also prohibited INEC from supervising, monitoring, or acknowledging the results of any convention organized by the PDP.
