The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, stopped the Peoples Democratic Party from proceeding with its national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State, following the exclusion of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, from the contest.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the PDP violated its own constitution and guidelines by denying Lamido the opportunity to obtain the nomination form for the National Chairmanship position.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from monitoring, supervising or recognising the outcome of any convention conducted without Lamido’s inclusion.
Justice Lifu held that undisputed evidence before the court showed that Lamido was “unjustly and unlawfully prevented” from participating in the process, despite being qualified under the party’s constitution.
He declared that the PDP had a legal and moral obligation to create equal opportunities for members aspiring to serve, stressing that no party should shut out eligible contestants through administrative manoeuvres.
As a consequential order, the judge directed the party to suspend all convention activities until Lamido is allowed to purchase the nomination form, mobilise supporters and campaign for the position.
The ruling comes amid fresh internal turmoil within the PDP, with another faction recently announcing the suspension of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba.
The court’s decision is expected to delay the opposition party’s plans to reorganise its national leadership ahead of 2025 political activities.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the PDP has yet to announce its next steps following the judgment.
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