The Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the second time, restrained the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the planned convention, where the party’s national officers were expected to be elected.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the fresh order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.
Lamido had dragged the PDP before the court, alleging that he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, thereby preventing him from participating in the forthcoming convention.
Justice Lifu said the order was necessary because the PDP had “refused, neglected, and failed” to comply with the conditions and procedures required by law for conducting such conventions.
The judge noted that Lamido provided credible evidence showing that the party failed to publish its timetable for the convention as required by law, thereby violating due process.
He added that the balance of convenience favoured Lamido, who would suffer greater harm if he were unlawfully excluded from the exercise.
“In a constitutional democracy, due process must be strictly followed by those entrusted with power; to do otherwise is to endanger democracy itself,” Justice Lifu said.
He stressed that, under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the courts must not abdicate their responsibility to dispense justice “without fear or favour.”
“Anarchy becomes the order of the day anywhere a court of record abdicates its constitutional duties,” the judge warned.
In his final ruling, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with the convention “slated for November 15 and 16, or on any other date in Ibadan or elsewhere.”
He also prohibited INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any convention organised by the party until further notice.
