COURT HALTS PDP IBADAN CONVENTION OVER LAMIDO’S EXCLUSION, RESTRAINS INEC

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or recognising any convention held without including former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido as a valid contestant for the position of National Chairman. The ruling has triggered a significant internal dispute within the party, even as PDP leaders insist that the Ibadan convention remains “sacrosanct.”

Court Order and Grounds for Intervention

The decision of the court followed a suit filed by Sule Lamido, who argued that he was unjustly denied access to the nomination form required to contest for the National Chairmanship position. Justice Lifu affirmed this claim, ruling that the evidence clearly established discriminatory conduct against the former governor.

The court held that the PDP, by its own constitution and regulations, is mandated to provide fair and equal opportunity for members to pursue leadership roles. Justice Lifu emphasized that political parties must put deliberate measures in place to enable aspirants to realise their political ambitions, noting that Lamido’s exclusion was inconsistent with democratic principles and the party’s internal rules.

As part of the consequential orders, the court directed the suspension of the planned Ibadan convention to allow Lamido time to obtain the nomination form, mobilise his supporters, and conduct a proper campaign. INEC was also barred from supervising or recognising any convention outcome in violation of the ruling.

PDP Insists Ibadan Convention Will Hold

Despite the court order, the PDP has maintained that the Ibadan convention will proceed as scheduled. This position was conveyed by the Chairman of the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Governor of Adamawa State, Umar Fintiri, following a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Friday.

Fintiri told journalists that the party had concluded extensive deliberations involving the PDP Governors’ Forum, National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees, and other key leaders. According to him, the meeting resolved firmly that the convention remains “sacrosanct,” despite the legal setback.

Stakeholders present at the meeting included Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and consensus chairmanship candidate Tanimu Turaki. Their presence signalled strong internal support for proceeding with the convention.

Rising Tension and Uncertain Path Forward

The conflicting positions between the court and the party hierarchy have raised questions over the legality of any proceedings in Ibadan should the PDP defy the court’s ruling. INEC’s compliance with the restraining order further adds complexity to the unfolding situation.

While Lamido and his supporters may view the ruling as a victory for internal democracy, the PDP leadership faces mounting pressure to navigate the legal and political fallout. The coming days are expected to determine whether the party will seek an appeal, comply with the order, or press ahead and risk confrontation with the judiciary and electoral authorities.