Just in:Court Again Stops PDP From Holding National Convention

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has, for the second time, stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its planned National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.

In the ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the convention, where new national officers of the party were expected to be elected. The order followed an application filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who alleged that the PDP unjustly denied him the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, thereby excluding him from participating in the exercise. Justice Lifu, in his judgment, held that the restriction became necessary because the party failed to comply with the relevant provisions of its constitution and electoral guidelines regarding the conduct of conventions. The judge noted that Lamido provided sufficient evidence showing that the timetable for the convention was not duly published for the attention of party members as required by law. According to the judge, the balance of convenience favoured the applicant, as Lamido would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from the process. He stressed that adherence to due process is a core element of democracy and must be respected by all political actors. Justice Lifu further stated that, under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts must not abdicate their constitutional duty of dispensing justice without fear or favour, warning that disregard for judicial authority could lead to anarchy. In his final order, the judge restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention on November 15 and 16 or at any other date or venue, and also prohibited INEC from recognising or monitoring any such event until due process is followed.