By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, blocked the PDP from holding its 2025 National Convention, which was scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
The court also directed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not supervise, monitor, or recognise the results of the convention where national officers were expected to be elected.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido.
Lamido, a founding member of PDP, argued in court that he was denied the chance to purchase a Chairmanship nomination form, preventing him from participating in the convention.
The judge explained that the restriction was necessary because the party failed to meet the required legal conditions and procedures for organising such conventions.
He further highlighted that Lamido provided evidence showing that the convention timetable had not been made available to members as the law mandates.
Justice Lifu also ruled that “the balance of convenience tilted towards Lamido because he would suffer more if allowed to be unlawfully excluded from the planned convention.”
To obtain the injunction, the former governor agreed to pay damages to PDP should his suit be deemed frivolous.
The judge emphasised that “in a Constitutional, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge,” warning that ignoring this principle could threaten democracy itself.
He added that “in line with section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, a court of law must not abdicate its role of dispensing justice without fear or favour,” noting that “anarchy would be the order of the day any time, any day and anywhere the court abdicates its constitutionally assigned functions.”
Justice Lifu’s final ruling barred PDP from proceeding with the convention on November 15 and 16—or any other date in Ibadan or elsewhere—and restrained INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention organised by the party.
It will be recalled that on October 31, another judge of the same court, James Omotosho, issued similar orders preventing INEC from recognising or supervising the convention.
Omotosho’s ruling cited the party’s failure to adhere to due process in planning the event. He noted that PDP did not issue the mandatory 21-day notice for meetings and congresses, which is required for INEC to perform its supervisory role.
He concluded that the party’s non-compliance placed the convention in jeopardy and advised that legal requirements must be fully met before proceeding. Omotosho therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the convention’s outcome until the law is properly followed.
Hon. Comrade James Onifade