Court Stops PDP Convention, Says Lamido Was Unlawfully Blocked from Contesting
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final order suspending the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday and Sunday.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or recognising any convention conducted by the PDP without including former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, as a contestant.
The court held that available evidence showed Lamido was unjustly denied access to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party — a move the judge declared contrary to the PDP Constitution and its internal regulations.
Justice Lifu stressed that political parties are obligated to provide equal opportunity for all eligible members to seek leadership positions and must have mechanisms that prevent arbitrary exclusion.
He ruled that Lamido’s exclusion amounted to an infringement of his rights within the party, thus necessitating the court’s intervention to restore fairness and adherence to due process.
The judge ordered the PDP to ensure that Lamido is granted access to obtain the nomination form, mobilise supporters and conduct his campaign without any form of obstruction.
INEC was likewise barred from participating in or validating any convention held by the PDP until the conditions outlined in the judgment are fully complied with.
Credit: Vanguard
