The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from going ahead with its scheduled National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.
In his ruling over the matter, Justice Peter Lifu, also restrained the Independent National Electrical Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising or recognising the outcome of the convention, pending the determination of the substantive suit before him.
Justice Lifu further held that the application filed by ex-Governor Lamido was meritorious and accordingly succeeds.
The judge, who noted the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho on October 31 stopping PDP from holding the convention, held that it would be in the interest of justice to grant Lamido’s request.
According to Justice Lifu, if PDP is allowed to go ahead with the event, the former Jigawa Governor would suffer more, hence it was necessary to grant the preservative order.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that the PDP had fixed its national convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Lamido had in the motion ex-parte moved by his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN) on October 31, prayed the court to make the interim order, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed alongside.
Lamido said if the PDP was not restrained by the court, the party would be violating its constitution, and by implication denying him the opportunity to contest for the position of the national chairman of the party of which he is eminently qualified to contest.
Justice Lifu had in a ruling, declined to grant the motion on October 31 after it was moved.
The judge, rather ordered the PDP and INEC that are 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, to come and show cause why the ex-governor’s reliefs should not be granted.
Justice Lifu, who gave the defendants within 72 hours from the date they were served to respond, adjourned the matter until November 6 for hearing.
On November 6, the PDP and INEC filed their respective affidavit to show cause, asking the court to refused Lamido’s application while the judge fixed November 11 (today) for ruling on the matter.
The judge also stood down the matter until 1pm today for hearing of the substantive matter.
