REVEALED: Real reason court stopped PDP convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Justice Peter Lifu also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any PDP convention that excludes Lamido as a contestant.

Justice Lifu stated that the evidence before the court showed that Lamido was unjustly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party, a move that violated the PDP Constitution and its internal regulations.

“The PDP is duty-bound to create opportunities for its members to serve by adopting deliberate measures that enable them to pursue their political aspirations,” the judge said.

As part of the ruling, Justice Lifu directed that the planned convention be put on hold to allow Lamido to obtain the nomination form, mobilise his supporters, and campaign.

“An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff. In the light of the above, it is hereby held that the convention be put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign and mobilise supporters,” Justice Lifu declared.

This ruling follows a similar judgment delivered by the same court on Tuesday, November 11, when Lifu issued an interim injunction restraining the PDP from holding the convention. Lamido, through his counsel Jephthah Njikonye (SAN), had argued in an ex parte motion that if the convention went ahead, it would violate the party’s constitution and deny him the opportunity to contest for the national chairmanship, a position he claimed he is qualified to seek.

Justice Lifu said he found merit in Lamido’s application, reinforcing an earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, 2025, which had similarly halted the PDP’s planned convention and restrained INEC from participating.

However, in a conflicting development, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan permitted the PDP to proceed with the convention. Justice A. L. Akintola granted approval in response to an ex parte application filed by an Oyo PDP member, Mr Folahan Adelabi, directing INEC to attend and monitor the election of new national officers.

The unfolding legal battle highlights a deepening leadership dispute within the PDP as the party prepares for its national convention.