The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a fresh order halting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its planned National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15 and 16.
Justice Peter Lifu, delivering the ruling on Tuesday, also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or acknowledging any outcomes from the proposed convention intended to elect new national officers.
The ruling followed a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who alleged that he was unjustly denied the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, effectively excluding him from participating in the convention.
Justice Lifu ruled that the PDP had failed to comply with legal requirements for organizing such an event, particularly by not publishing the convention timetable for the attention of its members, as mandated by law.
The court emphasized that Lamido would face greater harm if the convention proceeded without addressing his exclusion, stating that due process and adherence to constitutional provisions are essential to safeguarding democracy.
Justice Lifu warned that disregarding these principles could lead to anarchy and undermine the rule of law.
Consequently, the court restrained the PDP from holding the convention on November 15 and 16 or any other date, either in Ibadan or elsewhere.
INEC was also prohibited from overseeing or validating the results of any such event.