A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final order halting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu ruled on a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who accused the PDP of violating its constitution by denying him the opportunity to buy the nomination form for the National Chairman position.
Justice Lifu barred the PDP from proceeding with the convention until the party complies with its rules and allows Lamido to purchase the form. He also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or monitoring the exercise pending Lamido’s participation.
The judge insisted that the party must adhere to its constitution and ensure equal opportunities for members seeking elective positions. He described the refusal to sell Lamido a nomination form as unlawful and discriminatory.
Lamido had filed an ex-parte motion on October 31 asking the court to stop the convention. While the court initially refused to grant the interim order, it directed the PDP and INEC to show cause within 72 hours. The matter was later adjourned to November 6.
Conflicting Court Orders
The PDP convention has been dogged by contradictory court rulings. On November 4, an Oyo State High Court ordered the party and its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to proceed with the convention. The ruling followed an ex parte application filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi.
The conflicting decisions have intensified internal party disputes. Allies of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have even called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court for alleged judicial misconduct.
Governors Insist Convention Must Hold
Despite the Abuja court order, PDP governors said the convention should proceed. They made the declaration after a major stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday night at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The meeting was attended by serving and former governors, National Working Committee members, National Assembly members, Board of Trustees members, and state chairmen.
Saraki Calls for Caretaker Committee
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged the PDP to suspend the convention entirely. Speaking after meeting the PDP Board of Trustees reconciliation team, Saraki advised the party to establish a caretaker committee to stabilise its affairs.
He argued that such a committee would restore confidence among members and help resolve the tensions threatening the convention.