Justice Lifu Orders Suspension Of PDP Convention, Restrains INEC From Recognising Event Pending Court Decision

 

The Peoples Democratic Party’s plans to hold its national convention on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, have been halted by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The convention, which was intended to elect new national officers to steer the party’s affairs, has now been stopped following a court ruling delivered on November 11 by Justice Peter Lifu.

Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State, approached the court through an ex-parte application filed by his senior lawyer, Jephthah Njikonye, SAN. The application sought an interim injunction restraining the PDP from holding the convention until a substantive suit challenging the process could be heard and determined. Justice Lifu ruled that Lamido’s application had merit, emphasizing that the plaintiff, a bona fide member of the party with an interest in the position of national chairman, would face significant hardship if the order were not granted.

The court also issued a directive barring the Independent National Electoral Commission from monitoring or recognising the planned convention, effectively preventing any official validation of the event pending the resolution of Lamido’s suit. Justice Lifu cited the earlier ruling of Justice James Omotosho on October 31, 2025, which similarly suspended the convention and restrained INEC, noting there was no reason to depart from that decision.

Legal analysts describe the development as a continuation of ongoing internal disputes within the PDP, highlighting tensions around the leadership structure ahead of the party’s national leadership elections. The court’s intervention comes amid heightened interest in the party’s national chairman position, with Lamido asserting his right to participate in the selection process without prejudice.

Party officials had previously expressed confidence that the convention would proceed as planned, framing it as a crucial step in strengthening internal democracy and preparing the party for upcoming political contests. The court’s injunction, however, introduces uncertainty into the PDP’s organizational timetable, as the ruling effectively freezes all formal proceedings related to the convention until the substantive case is resolved.

Observers note that the legal challenge reflects broader disputes within the PDP regarding transparency, leadership succession, and adherence to the party constitution. The outcome of the court proceedings could have far-reaching implications, not only for the election of party officers but also for internal party unity and the positioning of key stakeholders ahead of future elections.

As the November 15 and 16 dates approach, the PDP now faces the task of navigating both legal constraints and internal pressures, with party members closely watching the unfolding judicial process. Lamido’s suit underscores the increasing role of the judiciary in resolving party disputes, signaling that political ambitions within Nigeria’s major parties may increasingly depend on legal validation.

The next developments will be determined by the Federal High Court once the substantive motion is heard, leaving the party in a temporary state of suspension regarding its national leadership election plans. The ruling has reignited debates about fairness, party governance, and the influence of court decisions on political party activities in Nigeria.