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The High Court in Abuja has issued a final ruling prohibiting the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its 2025 National Convention, scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, for the purpose of electing national officers for the PDP.
In his ruling on a suit brought by former Jigawa state governor, Sule Lamido, Justice Peter Lifu prevented the PDP from conducting the convention until it adheres to its Constitution and Guidelines regarding the convention.
He ruled that the convention must be stopped until Sule Lamido is permitted to buy a nomination form for the position of National Chairman. The judge also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, overseeing, or assisting with the convention until the former Governor is allowed to participate.
“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,” the judge declared.
The judge said that the PDP is obligated to abide by its own rules and regulations, ensuring that eligible members have the chance to pursue their aspirations.
Justice Lifu noted that it was improper for the PDP to have denied Lamido the opportunity to acquire a nomination form for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Lamido requested the court to issue the interim order through an ex parte motion filed by his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye, on October 31, pending the hearing of the motion on notice. He argued that without a restraining order, the PDP would breach its constitution and prevent him from contesting the position of national chairman.
On October 31, Justice Lifu declined to grant the motion but instructed the PDP and INEC to justify why Lamido’s requests should not be granted, giving them 72 hours to respond. The hearing was adjourned to November 6.
In the midst of the turmoil within the main opposition party, PDP governors asserted that the party’s 2025 National Elective Convention must proceed.
They made this declaration following a critical stakeholders meeting held on Thursday night at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Attendees of the meeting included National Working Committee Members, current and former governors, members of the National Assembly, Board of Trustees (BoT) members, and state party chairpersons, among others.
