The Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, ruling that the party must first allow former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, to participate in the chairmanship race.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu held that Lamido was unjustly denied access to the nomination form, in breach of the PDP Constitution and the party’s internal democratic procedures.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or recognising any convention conducted without Lamido’s inclusion.
Justice Lifu said the evidence before the court showed clear acts of discrimination, stressing that political parties have a legal and moral obligation to create avenues for members to contest leadership positions.
“The plaintiff was wrongfully excluded,” the judge ruled. “An order is hereby made directing the PDP to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff before any convention is held.”
As a consequence, the court ordered the PDP to suspend all preparations for the Ibadan convention until Lamido is given the opportunity to obtain the form, consult widely, campaign, and mobilise his supporters.
“In the light of the above, the convention is put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign and mobilise supporters,” Justice Lifu added.
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