The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final order stopping the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 National Convention, plunging the opposition party into deeper internal turmoil just 24 hours before the event was scheduled to begin.
The convention, slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, was expected to produce new national officers for the party. But Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the PDP must suspend all preparations until it complies with its own constitution regarding eligibility rules
Judge Says PDP Violated Its Own Rules
Delivering judgment in a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, Justice Lifu held that the party acted unlawfully by preventing Lamido from purchasing a nomination form to contest the office of National Chairman.
He directed that the convention cannot go ahead until Lamido is allowed to obtain the form and participate fully in the process, insisting that the PDP is bound to follow its internal guidelines without discrimination.
The judge also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or monitoring the convention until the directive is obeyed.
According to Justice Lifu, “no political party is permitted to shut out eligible members from realizing their aspirations,” especially when such restrictions contradict the party’s own constitution.
How The Case Reached This Point
Lamido had approached the court through an ex parte application filed on October 31, arguing that if the PDP proceeded with the convention as planned, he would suffer irreparable damage by being denied the chance to contest.
Justice Lifu initially declined to grant the interim order but directed the PDP and INEC to show cause within 72 hours why Lamido’s request should not be granted. Their responses did not convince the court.
Still hot: PDP Pushes Ahead With Ibadan Convention Despite Court Order
The legal battle comes amid multiple conflicting orders from different courts.
Just last week, an Oyo State High Court ordered the PDP to proceed with the convention after an ex parte application filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi. That ruling has now been effectively neutralized by the Federal High Court’s latest decision.
Party Leaders Split As Pressure Mounts
The intensifying judicial tussle has deepened divisions within the PDP. Some stakeholders—particularly allies of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have called for disciplinary action against Justice A.L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, accusing him of issuing orders that complicate the crisis.
Despite the fresh Abuja court ruling, PDP governors on Thursday night insisted the convention should still hold. They made the declaration after a stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja attended by National Working Committee members, serving and former governors, National Assembly members and state chairmen.
Their stance appears to clash directly with the Federal High Court order, raising questions about how the party will navigate the next 48 hours.
Discover more from RainSMediaRadio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
