Court Halts PDP Convention Over Lamido Exclusion

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party to suspend its national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, this weekend.

The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from overseeing, monitoring, or recognizing any result from the convention while former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido remains excluded.

The court ruling followed Lamido’s claim that he was denied access to a nomination form to contest the party’s National Chairmanship. Evidence presented in court showed that the former governor was unfairly blocked, preventing him from participating in the race according to the PDP’s constitution and regulations.

Justice Peter Lifu ruled that political parties must ensure their members have fair opportunities to pursue leadership positions. The PDP was ordered to pause the convention to allow Lamido to obtain the nomination form, campaign freely, and mobilize supporters.

The order requires both the PDP and INEC to halt any activities related to the convention that exclude Lamido. The ruling effectively suspends the leadership contest until the former governor is given full participation rights.

The decision signals the judiciary’s insistence on fairness within political party processes and sets a precedent for handling exclusion disputes. Observers note that this could reshape the party’s approach to internal elections.

With the convention now on hold, the PDP must adjust its schedule, reopen nomination procedures, and ensure all aspirants, including Lamido, have equal opportunity to compete before setting a new date.