A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, barred the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 National Convention, which was scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from overseeing, monitoring, or recognising any results of the convention, where national officers were expected to be elected.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu issued the restraining order following an application by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, contended that he was unfairly denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form for the party’s national chairmanship, preventing him from taking part in the exercise.
The judge ruled that the PDP had failed to comply with legal and procedural requirements for conducting national conventions. Evidence showed that the party did not publish the timetable for the exercise as required by law, breaching due process.
Justice Lifu added that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, as he would suffer greater harm if excluded.
“In a constitutional democracy, due process of law must be strictly observed by those in authority. To act otherwise is to endanger the very foundation of democracy itself,” the judge said, warning that the failure of the judiciary to perform its constitutional duties could result in anarchy.
This ruling follows a similar order by Justice James Omotosho of the same court on October 31, 2025, which also restrained the PDP and the INEC from proceeding with or recognising the outcome of the convention, citing non-compliance with statutory requirements and the Electoral Act.
Omotosho noted that the PDP had failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice for meetings and congresses.
Earlier, on November 4, the Oyo State High Court under Justice Ladiran Akintola temporarily allowed the PDP to continue preparations for the convention.
However, the hearing of a Motion on Notice in a separate suit filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi against the PDP and its acting national chairman was adjourned to allow proper filing and exchange of documents.
The PDP convention saga has sparked nationwide attention, with party leaders in Oyo petitioning the National Judicial Council (NJC) over Justice Akintola’s conduct. Meanwhile, party leaders in Ekiti State have warned against alleged attempts by “enemies of the party” to disrupt the outcome of governorship primaries.
The 2025 convention was meant to elect new national officers to guide the party ahead of future elections.
