A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise, monitor, or recognise the outcome of the planned convention, where new national officers were to be elected.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the fresh restraining order on Tuesday, November 11, while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.
Lamido had dragged the party to court, alleging that he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, effectively excluding him from the process.
Justice Lifu said the decision was necessary because the PDP failed to comply with the laws governing the conduct of such conventions.
He stated that Lamido’s evidence showed the party did not publish the timetable for the convention as required by law, describing the omission as a breach of due process.
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The judge said, “In a Constitution, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge, adding that to do otherwise will endanger democracy itself.”
Justice Lifu further ruled that “the balance of convenience tilted towards the applicant because he would suffer more if allowed to be unlawfully excluded from the planned convention.”
He emphasised that under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts must always dispense justice “without fear or favour.”
The judge added, “Anarchy would be the order of the day, any day and anywhere the court of record abdicates its constitution-assigned functions.”
In his final pronouncement, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from holding the convention “billed for November 15 and 16 or any other date in Ibadan or any other place.”
He also barred INEC from “supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any convention that will be organised by the PDP.”