Olayiwola Matthew
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has, for the second time, restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the fresh order on Tuesday while delivering a ruling on an application filed by a former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.
Lamido had dragged the PDP before the court, alleging that he was unjustly denied the opportunity to purchase the Chairmanship nomination form, thereby excluding him from participating in the convention.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the restriction order became necessary as the party had failed, neglected, and refused to comply with relevant legal requirements governing the conduct of its convention.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any convention organised by the PDP.
Justice Lifu noted that evidence presented by Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not published in accordance with the law, thereby breaching due process.
He added that the balance of convenience favoured the applicant, as Lamido would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded from the convention.
The judge further emphasised that adherence to due process is essential in sustaining democracy, warning that failure to do so could endanger the nation’s democratic institutions.
Citing Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Lifu stressed that courts must not abdicate their constitutional duty of dispensing justice without fear or favour, adding that “anarchy would prevail anywhere the court of record fails to perform its assigned functions.”
In his final pronouncement, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with the planned convention on November 15 and 16—or on any other date—whether in Ibadan or elsewhere.
He equally prohibited INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any convention conducted by the party.