Breaking News: Judge Stops PDP National Convention Again
By Wellington Jopelo
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025.
The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognizing the convention’s outcome if it takes place. The order was issued by Justice Peter Lifu after former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, filed a lawsuit claiming the PDP prevented him from buying a form to contest for the party’s national chairmanship.
Justice Lifu said Lamido’s request was valid and that he could face serious harm if the convention went ahead. The judge also asked PDP and INEC to explain why the court should not grant Lamido’s full request.
The court noted that the PDP had failed to follow proper procedures for the convention. Key information, including the timetable, was not shared with party members as required by law, making the planned convention invalid.
The ruling referenced an earlier decision by another Federal High Court judge, James Omotosho, who had also stopped the PDP and INEC from holding the convention. Omotosho had said the party did not conduct valid state congresses, which are necessary before a national convention.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State High Court had previously allowed the convention to proceed, creating conflicting court orders. This earlier order came after an application by Folahan Malomo Adelabi and directed the PDP and National Chairman Umar Damagum to go ahead with the event.
The conflicting rulings have sparked tension, with some allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike asking the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the Oyo State judge for alleged misconduct.
The court’s intervention in Abuja highlights ongoing legal battles within the PDP and adds uncertainty to the party’s leadership contest and convention plans.