Court Bars PDP from Holding National Convention Amid Lamido’s Legal Challenge

jThe Federal High Court in Abuja has temporarily restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its scheduled national convention, set for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, pending the outcome of a suit filed by former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido.

Justice Peter Lifu, in the ruling, also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise, monitor, or recognise the results of the convention while the case is pending.

Lamido’s suit contends that holding the convention without proper legal clearance would violate the PDP constitution and deny him the opportunity to contest for the party’s national chairmanship. The ex-governor argued that he is fully qualified to vie for the position.

The judge referenced a prior ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which similarly stopped the party from conducting the convention. Justice Lifu said allowing the PDP to proceed could cause Lamido further harm, justifying the preservation order.

The PDP and INEC were given 72 hours from being served to respond to the court’s directive. They filed affidavits asking the court to dismiss Lamido’s request, but Justice Lifu adjourned the matter and delivered today’s ruling to grant the interim injunction.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, remains ongoing, with the substantive hearing expected to determine whether Lamido can contest the PDP national chairmanship.