A significant legal intervention has impacted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership transition plans. Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final order stopping the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, from proceeding with its 2025 National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, in Oyo State.
This convention, which is set to hold between the 15th and 16th of November, 2025, for the purpose of electing national officers for the PDP, is now suspended indefinitely.
The ruling stemmed from a suit brought by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. Justice Peter Odo Lifu, in his final judgment on Friday afternoon in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, barred the PDP from proceeding with the convention until it complies with its Constitution and Guidelines on the convention.
Specifically addressing Lamido’s grievance, the Judge demanded corrective action, stating that the Ibadan convention must be put on hold until Sule Lamido is allowed to purchase a nomination form for the office of the National Chairmanship.
The court’s intervention extended to the electoral body, as the Judge also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or aiding the Ibadan convention until the former Jigawa State Governor is allowed to participate in the convention.
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In delivering his verdict, Justice Lifu established a clear principle regarding party operations. He noted that the PDP is under strict obligation to adhere to its own rules and regulations by giving opportunities to eligible members to realize their aspirations.
The court pointed out a direct failure on the party’s part, declaring that it was wrong of the PDP to have denied Lamido the opportunity to purchase the nomination form for the office of the National Chairman of the party.
This final judicial order ensures that the party must rectify its internal procedures before any national convention can take place.