The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned national convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the interim injunction pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who is challenging the party’s planned convention.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising, or recognising any outcome of the proposed convention until the matter is determined.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that Lamido’s application was meritorious, noting that allowing the PDP to proceed with the convention could cause irreparable damage to the applicant’s rights.
“The court finds merit in the application. It is in the interest of justice to restrain the defendants from proceeding with the event pending determination of the substantive suit,” he ruled.
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He said the order was necessary to prevent further harm to the plaintiff.
Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye, had filed the motion ex parte on October 31, seeking an order to halt the convention.
He argued that proceeding with the event would violate the PDP constitution and deny him the opportunity to contest for the position of national chairman.
Justice Lifu initially refused to grant the interim relief on October 31 and directed the PDP and INEC to appear and show cause within 72 hours why the request should not be granted.
The matter was then adjourned to November 6 for hearing.
Following responses filed by the PDP and INEC urging the court to dismiss Lamido’s application, the judge fixed November 11 for ruling and later stood the case down till 1 p.m. for the hearing of the substantive matter.
The case is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025.
