Court halts PDP National Convention pending determination of Lamido’s suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention until the substantive suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, is heard and determined.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognising the outcome of the convention pending the resolution of the case.

Justice Lifu held that Lamido’s application had merit and consequently succeeded. He referenced an earlier judgment by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which similarly stopped the PDP from holding the event, and stated that granting Lamido’s request was necessary in the interest of justice.

According to the judge, allowing the PDP to go ahead with the convention would cause greater harm to Lamido, making a preservative order essential.

The PDP had scheduled its national convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Lamido, through his counsel Jeph Njikonye, SAN, had filed a motion ex parte on October 31, seeking an interim injunction to halt the convention pending the hearing of his substantive motion. He argued that proceeding with the convention would breach the party’s constitution and deny him the opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman, a role for which he claimed full qualification.

Although Justice Lifu initially declined to grant the interim order on October 31, he directed the PDP and INEC—listed as the first and second defendants in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025—to appear and show cause within 72 hours why the reliefs sought by Lamido should not be granted.

After the parties filed their responses, the court fixed November 6 for hearing and later adjourned for ruling, which was delivered on Tuesday. Justice Lifu subsequently stood down the case until 1 p.m. for further hearing on the substantive matter.