Abuja Court Stops PDP Convention Over Exclusion of Sule Lamido
PDP Convention escalated on Friday as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the suspension of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Court Rules PDP Violated Internal Democracy
Delivering judgment in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the PDP must suspend all preparations for the convention until Lamido is allowed to fully participate in the process.
According to the judge, evidence presented before the court showed that Lamido was unfairly denied access to the nomination form for the position of National Chairman, an action the court said violated both the PDP Constitution and internal party guidelines.
Why the Abuja Court Stopped the PDP Convention
Justice Lifu held that the party failed in its duty to ensure equal opportunity for members seeking elective positions, stressing that political parties must adopt transparent processes that allow aspirants to pursue their ambitions without obstruction.
The court further restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any PDP convention conducted without including Lamido as a valid aspirant.
Court Orders PDP to Reopen Nomination Forms
As part of its consequential orders, the court directed the PDP to reopen the nomination process, make forms available to Lamido, and allow him sufficient time to:
- Obtain the nomination form
- Mobilise supporters
- Campaign across relevant constituencies
Justice Lifu declared:
“An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff.
In the light of the above, it is hereby held that the convention be put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign, and mobilise supporters.”
Judgment Heightens Tension Ahead of Ibadan Convention
Friday’s judgment adds a new twist to the already tense atmosphere within the party, as preparations for the Ibadan convention had been progressing despite internal opposition and earlier conflicting court orders.
With this ruling, the PDP leadership will now have to return to the drawing board, while Lamido’s camp celebrates what they describe as a victory for internal democracy.
More updates to follow as reactions continue to emerge from party members and stakeholders.
