The Federal High Court in Abuja has again issued an order stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its National Convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise, monitor, or recognise the outcome of any convention where national officers might be elected.
Justice Peter Lifu gave the fresh order on Tuesday while ruling on a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who accused the party of denying him the right to purchase the chairmanship nomination form.
Lamido argued that his exclusion from the process was unlawful and violated the party’s own constitution as well as relevant electoral guidelines.
Justice Lifu agreed, stating that the PDP failed to follow due process by not publishing the convention timetable for its members, as required by law.
He ruled that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, noting that he would suffer more harm if the party was allowed to proceed with the convention without granting him a fair opportunity to contest.
The judge warned that failure to observe constitutional procedures undermines democracy, adding that courts must not abandon their role of ensuring justice is done without fear or favour.
He cautioned that anarchy would prevail whenever courts fail to uphold the rule of law.
In his final decision, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from holding the convention on the scheduled dates or any other day, in Ibadan or elsewhere, and barred INEC from recognising or monitoring any such event.
