The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop its planned national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The party had already prepared the venue for the gathering before the order was issued.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling on Friday and also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from supervising or recognising any convention held without meeting the court’s directives.

Court faults PDP over exclusion of Sule Lamido

The court held that the PDP denied former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, a fair chance to obtain a nomination form for the National Chairmanship position.

It ruled that this action went against the party’s Constitution and its internal Regulations.

Justice Lifu stated that evidence before the court proved that Lamido was “unjustly denied” the opportunity to contest.

He stressed that every political party is required to create equal chances for members to pursue their ambitions.

Convention halted until Lamido joins the race

As a result, the judge ordered the PDP to suspend all convention activities to allow Lamido obtain his nomination form.

He must also be given enough time to mobilise supporters and run his campaign within the party.

Justice Lifu emphasised that the party must provide “deliberate measures” to guarantee fair participation for all members.

The ruling means the planned Ibadan convention cannot proceed until the court’s conditions are fully met.