PDP logo and court gavel
In a major setback for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the party from holding its 2025 National Convention, scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
The court, led by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of the convention.
The decision follows a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged that he was denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, excluding him from participating in the convention.
“The evidence presented by Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not published for the attention of its members as required by law,” Justice Lifu ruled.
The judge emphasized that due process must be followed in constitutional matters, warning that deviation could “endanger democracy itself”.
This is the second time a court has halted PDP’s convention plans, with Justice James Omotosho previously citing PDP’s failure to issue the required 21-day notice to INEC.
PDP’s plans to hold the convention have been marred by controversy, with several aggrieved members expressing concerns over the party’s leadership and the convention’s transparency.
As the party’s national convention hangs in the balance, stakeholders are calling for calm and urging the PDP to comply with the court’s ruling.
The court has directed the PDP to do the necessary and comply with the law before proceeding with the convention.
