A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order compelling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention, which was scheduled for the 15th and 16th of November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The ruling was delivered on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu, following a lawsuit brought by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. The judge restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention held by the PDP without the inclusion of the claimant as a contestant.
Justice Lifu stated that the evidence presented to the court established that Lamido had been unjustly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to stand for the position of National Chairman. He found this to be a violation of both the PDP’s own constitution and its internal regulations.
The court affirmed that the PDP has a duty to create opportunities for its members to serve by adopting deliberate measures that allow them to pursue their political aspirations.
As a consequential order, Justice Lifu directed that the planned convention be put on hold to allow Lamido to obtain the nomination form, mobilise supporters, and conduct his campaign.
“An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the claimant,” the judge declared.
“In the light of the above, it is hereby held that the convention be put on hold for the claimant to obtain a nomination form, campaign, and mobilise supporters.”
Further details are expected.
