By Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
For the second time, a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its 2025 National Convention, scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the National Convention where national officers are expected to be elected.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu on Tuesday issued the fresh order while delivering a ruling in an application brought by a former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido.
Lamido, a foundation member of PDP, had dragged the party before the court, complaining that he was denied the opportunity to buy the Chairmanship nomination form to enable him to participate in the convention.
The judge predicated the restriction order against PDP because the party refused, neglected, and failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions.
The judge held that evidence from Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not published for the attention of its members as required by law.
Justice Lifu also held that the balance of convenience tilted towards Lamido because he would suffer more if allowed to be unlawfully excluded from the planned convention.
To make a remedy, the Judge said that the former governor had undertaken to pay damages to PDP if his suit was found to be frivolous.
According to the Judge, in a Constitutional system, due process of law must be strictly followed by those in charge, adding that to do otherwise will endanger democracy itself.
He also said that in line with section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the court of law must not abdicate its role of dispensing justice without fear or favour.
Justice Lifu held that anarchy would be the order of the day, anything, any dayy, and anywhere the court of recorabdicatestes iConstitution-assignedned functions.
In his final pronouncement, the Judge restrained PDP from proceeding with the convention billed for November 15 and 16 or any other date in Ibadan or any other place.
He also stopped INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the outcome of any convention that was organized by PDP.
It will be recalled that another Judge of the same court, James Omotosho, had on October 31 issued similar orders stopping INEC from supervising or recognizing the outcome of the convention if conducted.
His ground was predicated on the fact that due process was not followed in the way the convention was being planned.
Besides, Omotosho held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.
Justice Omotosho held that the failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy, and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.
He therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognizing the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan, until the law has been complied with.
Details later.
